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EXPLAINER: Why would nuclear plant dump wastewater into bay?

FILE - A no trespassing sign is posted near the entrance to the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station, at rear, Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019, in Plymouth, Mass. One million gallons of radioactive water is contained inside the former nuclear power plant along Cape Cod Bay. The plant's owner, Holtec International, is considering treating the water and discharging it into the bay. Local residents, shell fishermen and politicians disapprove of the plan. (AP Photo/Steven Senne, File) FILE - A portion of the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station is visible beyond houses along the coast of Cape Cod Bay, in Plymouth, Mass., March 30, 2011. Pilgrim, which closed in 2019, was a boiling water reactor. Water constantly circulated through the reactor vessel and nuclear fuel, converting it to steam to spin the turbine. The water was cooled and recirculated, picking up radioactive contamination. (AP Photo/Steven Senne, File) FILE - Warning signs are posted near a gate to the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station, in Plymouth, Mass., Tuesday, May 28, 2019. Pilgrim, which closed in 2019, was a boiling water reactor. Water constantly circulated through the reactor vessel and nuclear fuel, converting it to steam to spin the turbine. The water was cooled and recirculated, picking up radioactive contamination. (AP Photo/Steven Senne, File)