.png)
1,000 signatures reached
To: Environment Minister Creecy, Adv. Rakgogo and Ms van Schalkwyk
Stop another nuclear plant. Send your objection
The deadline for submitting objections has now passed. Thank you to all those who sent in objections. We will keep you updated. For more information and to stay involved, visit https://safcei.org/ https://earthlife.org.za/ or https://koebergalert.org/
I am writing to object to the findings of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) done by the Department of Environmental Affairs, allowing Eskom to move ahead with their plans for a new nuclear power station near Koeberg. I appeal the authorisation of the EIA.
Nuclear power is dangerous, unhealthy and costly. We should instead be investing in and supporting renewable energy.
Why is this important?
No one can guarantee that nuclear power stations are 100% safe. Radiation and radioactive waste created at nuclear power stations are extremely toxic and linked to different cancers and severe health issues [1]. Former workers of the Pelindaba Nuclear Research Facility were exposed to radiation and chemicals. Many have died from cancer while waiting for compensation [2] [3] [4]. More nuclear power could put the health of workers and communities at risk. Eskom’s own study showed that new nuclear power was “both unnecessary and costly” [5]. Electrical Engineer Hilton Trollip has also pointed out that “We absolutely do not need Koeberg to avoid load shedding. There are documented and proven sustainable electric systems that can run very well without nuclear and even without coal” [6].
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1L8m5odIxt4&feature=youtu.be
In 2017 the Department of Environmental Affairs granted Eskom permission to build a new nuclear power station near Koeberg. But thanks to the work of activists and organisations like Earthlife Africa, the Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute (SAFCEI) and Greenpeace, an appeal was launched to try to reverse this decision by the Department of Environmental Affairs [7]. This slowed down Eskom's nuclear plans.
We only have until this Sunday 15 November to submit comments objecting to the departments Environmental Impact Assessment, which gave Eskom permission to build a new nuclear power station. If enough of us send in emails in support of the appeal, the Minister of Environment may have no choice but to listen to us, and put our people's health and safety first.
[1] Health Risks from Exposure to Low Levels of Ionizing Radiation: BEIR VII Phase 2 (2006) National Research Council (US) Committee to Assess Health Risks from Exposure to Low Level of Ionizing Radiation. Washington, D.C. : National Academies Press, c2006
[2] Apartheid’s Nuclear Shame. Mandy de Waal and Jon Pienaar for Ground Up 27 June 2014
[3] Nuclear Energy Impact in South Africa: public hearings https://pmg.org.za/committee-meeting/9013/
[4] When all hope finally fades away. Sheree Bega for Independent Online 23 June 2018
[5] Eskom’s latest work on energy policy plan rejects nuclear. Chris Yelland News 25 November 24 2017
[6] Is the government prepared to prevent a nuclear disaster? Bizcommunity 8 October 2020
[7] The Appeal Authority: The Honourable Minister of Environmental Affairs. Authorisation Registration Number (12/12/20/994) http://safcei.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/5-March-2018-ELA-JHB-Greenpeace-Africa-SAFCEI-Nuclear-1-Appeal-Annexures-A-J.pdf