Trenton/Lacey, NJ -- In a May 14th letter released by NJDEP today, Exelon attempts to avoid responsibility for the increasing number of radioactive leaks occurring around their plant on Oyster Creek on Barnegat Bay. NJ's leading environmental groups active on this issue support DEP's continued efforts to push Exelon to do the right thing.

"Shame on Exelon. It shows a total disregard for public health and their workers. They've been caught in the past about previous tritium leaks. It's past time for them to begin acting responsibly and clean-up this radioactive pollution that far exceeds safety levels," said Janet Tauro, GRAMMES (GRAndmothers, Mothers and More for Energy Safety).

"DEP is fully justified in asserting state jurisdiction over radiation releases that NRC has claimed do not present nuclear safety issue," added Richard Webster of the Eastern Environmental Law Clinic. "Because NRC has said that these releases did not violate its regulations, DEP is the last line of defense for local residents and their drinking water. Good for DEP for not being kow-towed by bogus legal claims that it cannot protect the New jersey's water from pollution."

"Exelon appears more interested in cover up than clean up at Oyster Creek. Rather than hiding behind legalese and public relations, they should follow the advice that every 3 year old knows: 'you make the mess, you clean it up'," stated David Pringle of the NJ Environmental Federation. "Kudos to NJDEP Commissioner Martin for sticking to his guns and holding Exelon accountable."

"Once again this only proves that Exelon can't be trusted and DEP should take control over the site under the Spill Act, hire their own experts and consultants, and charge Exelon the costs and if warranted assess treble damages," concluded Jeff Tittel of the Sierra Club.

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