Entergy Winds Down Vermont Yankee Nuclear Plant; Debris Sent for NRC Review

Entergy has begun the process of decommissioning the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant. The plant was shut down in 2016 by Entergy because it was losing money in the deregulated New England energy market. The decommissioning project, which was nearing completion, involved the use of a $602 million trust fund for demolition and associated expenses. Debris from the site is now being shipped to Andrews for review by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

The closure of the facility marks the end of operations at the site. The NRC exercises formal regulatory authority over site releases and cleanup work within the state of Vermont. The successful management and disposal of the nuclear waste are central to the remaining work.

The state of Vermont is facing issues regarding nuclear power and waste sites along the Connecticut River, with the Governor pushing for a new energy policy.