The undersigned demand that Duke Energy remove the potential for any form of nuclear energy from their plans at Belews Lake; now or in the future. The Dan River and Belews Lake have historically been, and are currently, negatively impacted by Duke Energy operations. We do not want our waters used as experiments any further- especially with the disastrous potential associated with nuclear energy and the radioactive waste it produces.
Radioactive contamination of the Dan River would endanger tens-of-thousands of peoples’ drinking water, our wildlife, and the health of all who enjoy these waters. Local economies that rely on river recreation would be devastated. Life as we have known it would be changed forever.
We cannot afford another disaster on the Dan River. The utilization of Nuclear technology could forever pollute our land and waters in a disaster scenario. While the odds may be favorable in Duke's perspective, such was the pond holding 39,000 tons of coal ash that spilled into the Dan River in 2014. (Duke later pled guilty to criminal negligence in their handling of this pond, which resulted in one of the largest coal ash spills in the country’s history)
There are alternatives that Duke Energy may also pursue that would be far less damaging to our environment and would not carry the potential for nuclear disaster, such as solar and energy storage infrastructure. Sustainable options should be globally prioritized goals to reduce emissions and move away from fracked gas and coal. Nuclear energy is just another false solution to climate sustainability, one which yet again puts profit over people.
Further, Duke Energy's rural infrastructure is dated. Our rural communities experience power outages from minor weather and have endured these events for years. A nuclear generator seems premature considering pre-existing, urgent issues. If Duke Energy plans to invest in their operations they should begin with basic infrastructure updates in the most impacted and underserved areas, not by continuing to gamble with the health of our communities and surface waters.
Nuclear is not a sustainable or renewable option for power generation. Uranium reserves, like fossil fuels, are limited on this planet. Additionally, the processes used to harvest uranium can be equally as devastating to humans and the environment as the radioactive waste produced by nuclear energy reactors.
Environmental Justice concerns have been present for decades in communities directly adjacent to the Belews Lake facility and downstream along the Dan River. Multiple identified Environmental Justice communities would be impacted and include over 6,500 residents (in just Rockingham and Stokes County) who are either minority or low income. Those we represent who have felt concerned over the quality of their land, air, and water should not be subjected to a new system that could pose significant additional harm in the wake of a minor mishap. For these residents who have lived and died fighting for their rights we owe every inch of resistance we may forge.
To conclude, the timing of Duke Energy’s announcement is very ironic and hurtful to our communities. Just as the Belews Lake facility began excavating 277 acres of coal ash into a secure lined pit, the news of potential nuclear options were casually announced only days later. We would prefer Duke Energy complete the remediation of decades-long coal ash waste before considering the addition of a new, radioactive waste source in our watershed.
Below are the signatures of residents, organized entities, and all who love our land and waters, united in opposition to proposed nuclear infrastructure at Belews Lake.
Steven Pulliam Caroline Armijo
Dan Riverkeeper The Lilies Project
