State Creates Panel To Oversee Oyster Creek Decommissioning

LACEY, NJ — New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection established the Oyster Creek Safety Advisory Panel, officials announced Wednesday. The state panel will assist in overseeing Holtec International's compliance to decommissioning the shut-down nuclear generating station.

NJDEP Commissioner Catherine R. McCabe will chair the group. The panel will also include the superintendent of New Jersey State Police, the director of the Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, and the present of the Board of Public Utilities.

Specifics on the panel are not yet clear. They will meet at least twice per year and provide specifics in the future on how the public can participate. Residents and community groups have expressed concerns about the decommissioning process that include cost, safety and the public's role.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has held several public meetings in which residents can ask about the decommissioning process. Although the panel hasn't laid out how the public can participate, Governor Phil Murphy said the group will enhance residents' ability to have a say.

"Providing the public with an opportunity to participate in the robust public input process is critical to ensuring transparency during the decommissioning process,” Murphy said in a statement.

McCabe ays the panel looks forward to working with sister agencies on the process.

Congressman Andy Kim praised the formation of the board.

"This is a welcomed step to ensure the people of Ocean County have a real voice in the decommissioning of the Oyster Creek facility," Kim said in a statement. "I look forward to working with the board as it's established to ensure all parties engaged in this process are accessible and accountable to our communities."

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