ML101930552

Groundwater Monitoring Well Project Update

ML101930552
Person / Time
Site:	Oconee
Issue date:	12/16/2009
From:	- No Known Affiliation
To:	Office of Information Services
References
FOIA/PA-2010-0209
Download: ML101930552 (1)

Text

December 16, 2009- Oconee Groundwater Monitorinq Well Project Update S&ME, a vendor for Duke, is in the process of drilling several new wells onsite at Oconee, to further characterize the flow of groundwater in order to determine the source of elevated levels of tritium at monitoring well GM-7 & 7R located near the 525kV switchyard.

Progress has been made at drilling the wells, and drilling activities are expected to be completed within the next couple of days. Approximately 6 wells are expected to be sampled tomorrow, 12/17/09, with quick sample results back as early as next week. However, since there may be residual drilling fluid/water in the wells, accurate results may not be obtained for approximately 14 days. In other words, if a sample pulled tomorrow comes back as below the limit, it may not still be below the limit when sampled in two weeks. Soil samples along the liquid radwaste line that runs adjacent to the switchyard have been taken, and are to be sent to Duke's environmental lab for evaluation. These samples may help narrow down the location of the leak; if it is a leak in the radwaste line that is causing the elevated levels.

The licensee is holding a meeting tomorrow morning to discuss the potential communication plan should any of the samples show tritium in excess of EPA limits. All of the existing wells as well as the new wells will be sampled again on January 25, 2010.