Climate change impact on Seabrook nuclear plant demands deeper reporting: Letters

Climate change impact on Seabrook nuclear plant demands deeper reporting

April 17 − To the Editor:

Once again, your article (April 11th) on the recent U.S Government Accountability Office (GAO) report on Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) failures to address climate impacts on nuclear plants reads like an NRC press release.  Given that the report was strongly critical of existing NRC policies when it comes to a changing climate, this reporting approach does a disservice to the public's right to know what growing risks climate change poses to key infrastructure like Seabrook and other nuclear plants.

Anyone who has followed the development of climate science in recent decades and is familiar with the location of the Seabrook plant is well aware that such facilities are increasingly vulnerable to climate impacts, yet somehow this realization has escaped the purview of the NRC to date. The NRC did get something of a “wake up” call over a decade ago with the onset of the Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan.  While that destruction was due to a earthquake/tsunami and not climatic forces, the resulting inundation, off-site power outage and resulting reactor meltdowns were very similar to what extreme storm damage could be expected to accomplish under a changed climate regime.

Yet in 2018, when the NRC subsequently required nuclear plants to assess their vulnerability and response to extreme weather impacts, they used historical data that doesn't reflect current trends and future projections. In the case of Seabrook, this analysis nevertheless led to possible impacts “not bounded by the current design basis,” which is engineer-speak for unprepared-for flooding of key safety structures at the plant. Their main solution was installation of sand bags during an extreme storm event.

Given this record, this GAO report should be a further wake up call to the NRC as well as neighboring residents that the Seabrook plant is vulnerable and could pose an additional threat in the face of ongoing climate disruption, but only if this news is fairly and accurately reported on by local media.

Doug Bogen

Executive Director

Seacoast Anti-Pollution League

Portsmouth

I don't consider EVs and offshore wind 'going green'

April 16 − To the Editor:

We’ve been celebrating Earth Day for over 50 years and have come a long way. We’ve cleaned water, reduced emissions, reduced waste generation and improved the planet’s health. With our transition to other forms of energy, we appear to be poised to further minimize our impact on the planet. Yet not all green energy is clean energy, and I wonder if we are doing more harm than good.

(Some assert) that EVs have a larger carbon footprint than gasoline powered cars.  It is also known that over 50% of cobalt mined for batteries is produced by exploiting child labor in Africa. China dominates rare earth mineral production, which are used for Solar panels. Cobalt and rare earth mineral mining both produce toxic waste, some of which can contain radioactive elements.

Not only are we harming the land, but our greatest resource, the ocean. Offshore wind farms certainly impact the environment. There have been reports of allowable whale, dolphin and seal death quotas established during siting and development. Europe has seen increases in sperm whale beachings and deaths. Scientists are still debating the link to wind farms. Turbines are seawater cooled, which raises ocean temperatures and kills phytoplankton.  Warmer ocean temperatures threaten fish and lobster health, and contribute to sea level rise. There is also a negative impact on seabirds.

State and Federal mandates and bans are forcing us towards these solutions. Debate over going green is being stifled and justified objections are blocked or silenced. Science is ignored or manipulated. Misinformation is being used as a weapon. The pace of change seems too rapid, and it is being driven for the financial and political benefit of a few, not the benefit of the planet.

I wonder if our great-grandchildren will praise our efforts 50 years from now.

Jim Fernald

Portsmouth

Kudos to governor and lawmakers who worked to save York Hospital

April 17 -- To the Editor:

Many, many thanks to Janet Mills, Mark Lawrence and Holly Sargent for their efforts to keep York Hospital going in our town. York Hospital is an important employer and takes care of many, many citizens and visitors in this great town. I am relieved that at least the next five years will find our town with a hospital in its heart.

Georgia C. Bennett

York, Maine

Wade Fox for York School Committee

April 17 -- To the Editor:

As a former employee of the York school system for 16 years, I am endorsing Wade Fox for the schoolcommittee.

We need someone with an understanding of finance, budgeting and the difference between needs and wants.

We need someone who is not afraid to ask tough questions and follow up to get the answers to thesequestions. Wade is that person.

This year’s increase is estimated at 11.2%. Our school enrollment has been declining for the past 10 years. Weneed to look at class sizes and teacher to student ratios.

This decline has lead to future considerations of school consolidation or a complete new school project.York’s school ranking in the state has fallen significantly.

In the Fiscal Year 2025 Plan the challenges have been clearly outlined. Now we need concrete plans to get realresults. To quote Wade, “the plans must (be) flexible but not fragile. Every plan meets obstacles that should not deviate us from our ultimate goal.”

The high assessed property values of York provide limited funding from the state for our schools. Thus the bulk ofschool funding falls upon the taxpayers. Working with the Budget Committe, the School Committee must balancethe needs of the schools with a fiscally responsible budget that is fair and reasonable to the tax payers of York. A tax base is not a blank check.

It is time to bring someone with a fresh perspective and skill set to the school committee. The dynamics, rolesand responsibilities of the School Committee must change to be effective. I am convinced that Wade Fox isthe person to do this. Please join me in voting for Wade.

Judith Hogan

York, Maine

A few good leaders needed for North Hampton Scouts

April 18 − To the Editor:

The Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts of North Hampton are looking for a few good leaders and Scout families to re-ignite our nearly 85 year-old Troop and Pack.

Scouting in North Hampton has shaped the lives of hundreds of our residents from the founding of Troop 162 in 1940 to 2023.

Our town has benefitted from Eagle projects such as the Pavilion at Dearborn Park in North Hampton.

Youth and adults have had unique experiences that included scuba diving and sailing in the Florida Keys, whitewater rafting in northern Maine, bicycling trips to Martha’s Vineyard, and summer camp in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region.

Scouting exposes our youth to life enhancing experiences and opportunities through its 138 Merit badge offerings from American Business to Woodworking.

Scouting develops leadership, citizenship, and survival skills that are unique in today’s digital world where youth spend much of their waking hours on the internet and playing video games.

We’re hoping a few North Hampton parents and families with a scouting background would like to help resume an active program in North Hampton. Our sponsor facility is the North Hampton United Church of Christ across from the town Bandstand.

We’re looking forward to hearing from you.

Neil S. Hiltunen, D.M.D., Eagle Scout, former Scoutmaster, Committee Chairman Troop 162

Jonathan Holden, Scoutmaster, Troop 162

Richard Tharp, former Scoutmaster, Troop 162

Craig Kelleher, D.V.M., Troop 162 Eagle Scout

In York, support Article 64 and Fredrick and McLaughlin for selectboard

April 18 -- To the Editor:

I am writing to urge York voters to approve Article 64. I think we can all agree that Short Term Rentals are businesses; right now, we can only guess at the number of Short Term Rental businesses existing in York. Passing the ordinance would require STRs to be permitted like other businesses. It would also require STRs to meet basic safety requirements including fire extinguishers, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and emergency egress. At present, there are no enforceable safety requirements for Short Term Rentals. Safety requirements are consistent with what we ask of most businesses in town. The ordinance would also provide a process for neighbors’ complaints about loud, late parties or other bad guest or owner behavior. Right now only a 911 call is available to make complaints and I think we can all agree there is better use or the emergency number. Passing Article 64 will NOT put any STR owner out of business. The ordinance also does NOT put restrictions on size of the STRs.

I would also like to urge York voters to vote for Todd Fredrick and Marilyn McLaughlin for Selectboard. Todd has provided strong respectful leadership to the Board and has a proven track record of a strong commitment to York. Marilyn has brought a wealth of experience from her work as a York Hospital physician and volunteer work with Rotary to the Selectboard. The town benefits from having different perspectives on the Board. In sharp contrast to past Selectboards, this one works. Let’s keep it.

Connie Hanley

York, Maine

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Climate change impact on Seabrook Station demands deeper reporting