PLYMOUTH — Watchdogs who had tracked the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station’s faltering performance in its final years were relieved when the reactor was permanently shut down in 2019. But that […]
Environment
ON THE ROPES
Rope Reduction Seen as Best Hope to Save Whales
Each disentanglement matters, but rescues are no match for the problem
PROVINCETOWN — In late May, the Marine Animal Entanglement Response Team at the Center for Coastal Studies (CCS) got a call on their emergency hotline, which runs all day, all […]
RARA AVIS
This Week’s Bird Sightings
Confirmed bird sightings on the Outer Cape in the week preceding the Independent’s deadline on Tuesday, Dec. 20 included the following, based on a report prepared by Mass Audubon’s Wellfleet […]
RADIOACTIVITY
EPA Threatens Holtec Officials With Fines and Imprisonment
Association to Preserve Cape Cod is exploring preemptive action
PLYMOUTH — In a letter sent to Holtec Decommissioning International, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has warned decision makers at the company they could face fines and even jail time […]
TOWN WATER
Second Tower Going Up as Water System Nears Finish
EASTHAM — A new road is being cut into the forest behind the Cape Cod National Seashore Visitors Center. It will lead to a third well house and second water […]
RARA AVIS
This Week’s Bird Sightings
Confirmed bird sightings on the Outer Cape in the week preceding the Independent’s deadline on Tuesday, Dec. 13 included the following, based on a report prepared by Mass Audubon’s Wellfleet […]
WATERSHEDS
Salt Pond and Nauset Estuary Are Top Priority Areas for Sewering
About 600 homes will need to hook up under Eastham’s wastewater plan
EASTHAM — The people living near Salt Pond will likely be the ones who must hook up to a sewer system in order for Eastham to get a targeted watershed […]
PRESERVATION
After 21 Years, Provincetown’s Land Bank Expires
$9-million program paid for conservation land throughout town
PROVINCETOWN — Last month’s special town meeting primarily concerned the town’s sewer expansion program, but there was one significant outlier on the warrant: Article 2, seeking $1.75 million of Land […]
RARA AVIS
This Week’s Bird Sightings
Confirmed bird sightings on the Outer Cape in the week preceding the Independent’s deadline on Tuesday, Dec. 6 included the following, based on a report prepared by Mass Audubon’s Wellfleet […]
SIGNAGE
Kayakers Say ‘No Launching’ Signs Go Too Far
Waldo says town seeks to balance conservation and recreation
WELLFLEET — Dick Elkin looked out the window of his home on Catboat Road on the morning of Nov. 4 and saw DPW workers installing signs at the entrance to […]
RADIOACTIVITY
State Will Test Pilgrim Water for Contaminants
DPH does not want to see Holtec release wastewater into the bay
PLYMOUTH — The Mass. Dept of Public Health (DPH) and the state’s Dept. of Environmental Protection (DEP) will in the weeks ahead be analyzing untreated water taken from new samples […]
DEVELOPMENT
A New House Will Be Much Bigger — But Cleaner
Plans include an alternative septic system that is part of a pilot program
EASTHAM — Martin and Ellen Ridge plan to demolish a 976-square-foot cottage that sits on one acre at 150 Crosby Village Road overlooking Herring Pond. They want to replace it […]
RARA AVIS
This Week’s Bird Sightings
Confirmed bird sightings on the Outer Cape in the week preceding the Independent’s deadline on Tuesday, Nov. 29 included the following, based on a report prepared by Mass Audubon’s Wellfleet […]
WATER QUALITY
A ‘Hybrid’ Watershed Plan Aims to Cut Nitrogen Pollution
The Wellfleet plan relies on a new generation of septic systems
WELLFLEET — Water resources consultant Scott Horsley presented the latest Targeted Watershed Management Plan to the board of health on Nov. 9 with minimal sewerage and myriad advanced ecofriendly technologies. […]
RADIOACTIVITY
Holtec Says Regulated Contaminants Will Be Treated Away
The EPA does not regulate radionuclides
PLYMOUTH — The owner of the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station has indicated it is closer to releasing radioactive wastewater from the plant’s spent fuel pool, reactor cavity, and other systems […]
