A Harvard University professor whose team recently published a study on the cancer risks near nuclear plants has been tapped to conduct a federally funded effort to measure radiation surrounding the decommissioned nuclear power plant. The research team – led by Petros Koutrakis, professor of environmental sciences at the Harvard T. H. Chan School of […]
Category: Environment & Health
Posted inEnvironment & Health
More snow, another parking ban
Light snow began falling mid-morning Saturday, in sync with the start of another parking ban in the downtown and North Plymouth areas. With a fast-moving Alberta Clipper system expected to drop between 5 and 8 inches of snow on Plymouth Saturday – followed by extreme cold for the rest of the weekend – the town […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
Select Board rejects advisory committee on wastewater plan
The recommendation of a citizens advisory committee to torpedo controversial plans to change the way Plymouth disposes of its wastewater was itself rejected by the Select Board on Tuesday. The Wastewater Groundwater Discharge Citizens Advisory Committee – appointed by the Select Board in 2024 to investigate and recommend a solution on how to dispose of […]
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On again, off again: Town rescinds Sunday parking ban
Saturday afternoon, the town announced a 24-hour parking ban would take effect in the downtown and North Plymouth areas, in advance of what was expected to be a modest Sunday snowfall that could also bring powerful wind gusts. The move surprised some residents and business owners because the predictions called for just a few inches […]
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As storm nears, town announces parking ban, offers resources
An apocalyptic event for the history books, or just the kind of significant snowfall we used to expect every January? It depends on who’s delivering the forecast or writing the headline. But there is a major storm headed this way, on top of brutally cold temperatures that arrived during the early morning hours of Saturday. […]
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Controversial condo development would overlook toxic waste site
It’s a beautiful location offering sweeping harbor views. But Pulte Homes’ proposed six-story condo building on Sandri Drive also overlooks a mostly empty expanse of weeds and trees once declared a toxic waste site by federal environmental authorities. It is the Plymouth Harbor/Cannon Engineering Corp. Environmental Protection Agency Superfund site, where officials found lead, fuel […]
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Reports of dead birds prompt avian flu warning
The avian flu is apparently back, nearly a year after its presence resulted in the deaths of hundreds – if not thousands – of birds in lakes and ponds across town. Officials have received “several reports of deceased waterfowl” in recent days, according to a press release from communications coordinator Casey Kennedy. The town is […]
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Town ringing in new year with a ban on Styrofoam containers
As of New Year’s Day, expanded polystyrene containers – better known by the brand name Styrofoam – will be banned in Plymouth restaurants and take-out establishments, including supermarkets that serve prepared foods. The town is joining more than 60 cities and towns across Massachusetts in banning the containers, which are considered a threat to people’s […]
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Harvard study finds proximity to nuclear plants increases cancer risk
A new Harvard University study has found that cancer risk may increase with proximity to nuclear power plants, including the now shut down Pilgrim station in Manomet. “We found that living near nuclear power plants increases the risk for cancer,” said Petros Koutrakis, professor of environmental sciences at Harvard’s T. H. Chan School of Public […]
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He’s responsible for more than 100 square miles of water
Chad Hunter covers a lot of ground in his job. Make that water. As Plymouth’s harbormaster, Hunter’s domain is larger than you might think. It extends well beyond what’s visible from atop Coles Hill. Three miles out to sea from any land point in Plymouth and all its many ponds are within his jurisdiction. That’s […]