While I understand that the likelihood of a serious natural disaster such as what occurred in Japan is extremely remote here, I also know that nuclear power plants are engineered by people who, by their very nature, make mistakes. These plants contain extremely toxic fuel and are located in and around populated areas.
It’s no secret that Vermont Yankee has had serious technical failures—witness the ongoing tritium leaks and the spectacular failure in its cooling system in 2007. As such, I am prompted to ask some questions: Is it worth it to risk the failure of a plant like this that contains such deadly materials? Think of what would happen to those who live nearby if they were exposed to radiation released as a result of an accident.
Think of what would happen to the “Vermont brand” if an accident was to occur. Can you imagine people in the U.S. and the rest of the world continuing to buy Vermont dairy products and other produce in the event of a serious accident at Yankee? Can you imagine how such an accident would impact the Vermont economy? And, on a very personal level, can you imagine what effect an accident at Vermont Yankee would have on the value of your home? I suggest that continuing to operate a plant of this sort is a very poor risk not worth taking. It’s time to shut it down and spend our time and money developing a safe alternative.
David Tanzer
Warren
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