ML061000121
| ML061000121 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Braidwood  |
| Issue date: | 12/08/2005 |
| From: | House J NRC/RGN-III |
| To: | |
| References | |
| FOIA/PA-2006-0115, FOIA/PA-2009-0077, FOIA/PA-2010-0209 | |
| Download: ML061000121 (1) | |
Text
Jonn mouse - tuu bullet tutueczyyl.wpq Page 1 Braidwood Groundwater Contamination (Update) -
As of December 9, 2005, the licensee has reported measurable levels of tritium in oftsite groundwater monitoring wells that were installed over the last two weeks ad in one residential drinking-water well. The residential well is located approximately 1/2-mile North of the contaminated onsite areas, and the licensee measured approximately 1150 P.coCuriePliter of tritium in the well, which is a fraction of the EPA drinking water standard of 20,000 picoCuries per liter. Other nearby residential wells have not shown any tritium above normal background.
However, the licensee detected elevated levels of tritium (as high as approximately 33,700 picoCuries per liter) in monitoring wells in a vacant development immediately offsite.
The licensee continues to monitor and to develop options for remediation, with Region IlIl Inspection oversight. As of December 8, 2005, the licensee had a total of 40 groundwater monitoring wells inplace and was planning to install another 40 wells to ensure that the vertical characterization of the aquifer was fully determined.
Region IlIl also has sent split samples from some offsite wells to the NRC's contract laborato for Independent analysis. In addition, Region IlIl has obtained independent samples from fourf the residents nearest to the site boundary. The resident with the measurable tritium level was contacted by Region IlIl staff, but was satisfied with the licensee's actions and did not desire any additional sampling.
The licensee has arranged a meeting with the nearby residents for Monday, December 12, 2005, at its Training Building. State representatives of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, and Department of Public Health are planning to attend. In addition, two members of the Region IlIl staff are also planning to attend.
No media or other members of the public have been invited.
The licensee continues to attribute the contamination to leaks from its circulating blowdown line that occured In 1998 and 2000. Along with circulating water, the licenseemuses that linLe for liquid radioactive discharges from the plant. However, the licensee continues to evaluate the measurements to ensure that no additional leakage is occurring. While that investigation is ongoing, the licensee has suspended all discharges through that line and indicated that it can maintain that position for approximately 18 days.
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