The State has negotiated and entered into an agreement with Exelon Corporation to cease electric generation operations at the Oyster Creek by October 2018.

Shutdown of the plant is the best technology available to ensure that Oyster Creek withdrawals from Barnegat Bay for cooling purposes, and discharges from the plant do not damage the ecological health of the bay. The closure of Oyster Creek is expected to change fish and shellfish species distribution by reducing entrapment and impingement and eliminating thermal impacts. The plant closure agreement establishes a definite timeframe in which use of the bay for cooling water will cease. There will be a 96% reduction of water intake for cooling purposes. When all spent fuel is moved to dry cask storage, the need for water intake will be eliminated. Closure of the plant will have a significantly more beneficial environmental impact than requiring the installation of cooling towers would have produced. For additional details, click here.

• Actions: Ensure the timely shutdown of the plant.
• Lead: DEP – Air Quality, Energy and Sustainability
• Partners: Exelon Corporation