FPL watchdog has ongoing concerns about environmental agency’s consent decree on Turkey Point’s cooling canal system
Contact: Jennifer Rennicks, SACE, [email protected], 865-235-1448
Miami, Fla. (June 21, 2016) – The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy continues to carefully review Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) consent decree on the Turkey Point cooling canal system. Upon initial review, Laura Reynolds, representing SACE, identified the following concerns and is continuing to evaluate the information provided by DEP:
“This document is strikingly similar to Miami-Dade County consent agreement and the DEP’s 2014 Administrative Order which only deals with a remediation plan to the west of the canal system. We do not think this addresses the issues with Turkey Point’s leaking cooling canal system to the east of the canals by requiring mitigation for damages and an increased monitoring plan. Additionally, we do not feel this is a true clean up plan as we still see the same mass of salt loaded daily and a perpetual demand on water in the area.”
“DEP makes a statement that there are no violations, which is in direct conflict to what Biscayne National Park just concluded in a recent letter, dated May 13, 2016. We are currently reviewing the county data set to show that in fact FPL has violated DEP’s Numeric Nutrient Criteria.”
“We continue to review the proposed remediation and the action on the west side and the developing salt water plume that is going offsite. We have very real concerns about the 10 year timeline and the adequacy of this plan.”
“We still have more questions about the remediation plan and concerns that it may actually cause harm. We want to understand DEP’s analysis of the plan and how DEP can ensure this will not interfere with Everglades Restoration and resiliency plans in the area.
“DEP is not requiring FPL to use best available technology, like mechanical draft cooling towers to address thermal pollution. Our biggest disappointment is that DEP lays the groundwork for use of the cooling canal system beyond the life of the current nuclear plants 3 and 4, while Miami-Dade County is looking for the discontinued use of this system by 2032.”
“SACE is seeking replacement of this antiquated technology as soon as possible to offer real abatement of the salt and thermal loading into this fragile area. We think this could be done in half the time proposed here and should identify an alternate water source that does not interfere with any freshwater.”
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About Southern Alliance for Clean Energy
Founded in 1985, the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy is a nonprofit organization that promotes responsible energy choices that work to address the impacts of global climate change and ensure clean, safe, and healthy communities throughout the Southeast. Learn more at www.cleanenergy.org.