Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s plan to restart the Palisades nuclear plant raises concerns among Michigan farmers over potential radioactive contamination of crops and water.
S. Nicole Lane reports for Investigate Midwest.
In short:
- The Palisades Nuclear Generating Station is set to reopen by 2025 after a history of safety violations and radioactive leaks.
- Local farmers fear that radiation or thermal pollution could damage crops in Michigan’s agriculturally rich region.
- Some residents worry about increased cancer rates linked to the plant’s operations and the risk of a major nuclear accident.
Key quote:
“Any change in the water temperature of Lake Michigan will affect fruit farmers. We rely upon the Mediterranean effect of the cool water in the spring to hold back fruiting buds so they do not bloom too soon like they did in 2012. And in the fall, the warm water lengthens our growing season.”
— Joan Donaldson, Pleasant Hill Blueberry Farm owner
Why this matters:
Reopening an aging nuclear plant poses potential risks for nearby agriculture and public health. Contaminated water or radiation leaks could jeopardize the region's farming economy, known for its blueberry production, while cancer rates in the area are already a concern.
Read more: Michigan nuclear plant gets a financial boost for revival
