The Association to Preserve Cape Cod has a long history of influencing public policy through advocacy and education. We have found that bringing people along generally yields the best outcomes and creates bonds and partnerships that yield long term benefits for Cape Cod. There are times however when it’s necessary to be willing to go to court to enforce what is lawful and right to protect the environment. This is one of those times.
APCC has engaged the law firm of Sugarman, Rogers, Barshak & Cohen, P.C. to provide advice concerning issues arising from the potential discharge of radioactive water into Cape Cod Bay by Holtec International during decommissioning of the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station.
APCC decided to take this step in light of the ongoing threat by Holtec to discharge radioactive water into the bay. Plainly stated, it’s APCC’s position that any consideration about a discharge of radioactive water into Cape Cod Bay is a nonstarter. Cape Cod Bay must never be the dumping ground for Holtec simply because it’s the cheapest way of doing business. We are willing and determined to fight any attempt on Holtec’s part to compromise the environmental quality of the bay. I asked a Holtec representative to make a commitment to refrain from discharging the water until questions about permitting issues are resolved. The Holtec representative refused to commit to delaying the discharge and, then and there, the need to be ready to pursue an injunction to protect the bay became apparent.
Acting on APCC’s behalf, Sugarman Rogers will, if necessary, represent APCC in any litigation or other administrative proceedings, assist APCC in providing public comments, and coordinate with municipalities and other organizations in protecting the Cape Cod environment from the discharge of radioactive water from the nuclear power plant. APCC will not be caught flat footed, nor will we be forced into a defensive position simply reacting to whatever actions Holtec deems appropriate to take.
The preservation of Cape Cod Bay is of critical environmental and economic importance to the region and the entire Commonwealth. APCC is fully committed to standing up for everyone who values the bay for the ecological treasure that it is or who relies on the ecology of the bay to support their families or to protect their investments in homes and businesses. Litigation is not our preferred option, nor are we afraid of it. This is what we are here for and this is what you, our members, expect of us.
