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Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today praised an agreement paving the way for significant reductions in water intake at the Millstone nuclear power plant that will help increase populations of fish and other marine creatures and improve Long Island Sound’s environmental health.
Connecticut Fund for the Environment and Soundkeeper negotiated the agreement with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) assisted by the Office of Attorney General. The settlement ends their opposition to a draft water discharge permit, allowing a DEP administrative hearing officer to consider it today.
Under the agreement, Millstone will reduce its water intake about 40 percent and accelerate a study of measures to reduce it even more.
Millstone uses water as a coolant. Sea water sucked by the plant out of Long Island Sound interferes with the spawning of fish, shellfish, lobsters, crabs and other marine life.
“This agreement -- which many thought impossible -- assures significant reductions in water intake and enables even more environmental benefits in the future without sacrificing energy,” Blumenthal said. “Cutting Millstone’s water intake helps to revive vital aquatic nurseries so the Sound has more flounder and other fish. This agreement is an important win-win for both aquatic life and affordable power.
“This settlement shows that sound policies can serve both energy and environmental needs. Connecticut can meet energy challenges without degrading environmental treasures like Long Island Sound. Environmentalists and energy producers can work together to provide more affordable energy while protecting the Sound and other precious natural resources.”
Equipment to reduce water intake is expected to be installed next year.
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