ML101940222
| ML101940222 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Catawba  |
| Issue date: | 04/14/2009 |
| From: | Brian Bonser NRC/RGN-II |
| To: | Wade Loo NRC/RGN-II/DRS/PSB1 |
| References | |
| FOIA/PA-2010-0209 | |
| Download: ML101940222 (9) | |
Text
Loo, Wade From: Brian Bonser Sent: Tuesday, April 14, 2009 11:03 AM To: Wade Loo
Subject:
FW: Catawba Tritium Sampling Info from SC DHEC Attachments: Document.pdf fyi
Message -----
- Original From: Andrew Sabisch Sent: Tuesday, April 14, 2009 10:55 AM To: Jonathan Bartley; Robert Carroll; Brian Bonser; George Kuzo
Subject:
Catawba Tritium Sampling Info from SC DHEC The attached Fact Sheet will be posted on the SC DHEC website today detailing the tritium sampling that will be ongoing in the Bethel area surrounding the plant. Also attached is a copy of a BLM letter that will be sent to all residents where samples are taken from their wells.
If you need any more information, let me know.
There may be media interest once the Fact Sheet is posted on the SC DHEC website (http://www.scdhec.qov/index.htm)
Andy Andrew T. Sabisch U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Senior Resident Inspector Catawba Nuclear Station 4830 Concord Road York, SC 29745 Office: (803) 831-2963 Cell: (803) 554-3630 Fax: (803) 831-7468
S I Fact Sheet l2rmn of Heli and Eniomna Coto - 260 Bul SmtI,--sd(cgv-Pooigad rtcigteh-lho hpb April 2009 Bethel Community Testing for Radioactive Materials Overview Staff with the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) recently sampled water from 24 locations around the Catawba Nuclear Station, operated by Duke Energy, in York County. Of the 24 water samples taken, 20 were private wells, one was a public well and three were surface water samples from Lake Wylie, immediately adjacent to the facility.
The testing was done, as a precaution, to determine if .~d _70 r4'o*
radioactive materials are present in 4' ,
the groundwater near the Catawba Nuclear Station.
All 21 wells were tested for Gross Alpha and Gross Beta radiation, and general bacterial health. Ten wells were tested for Gross Gamma radiation. Three surface water A
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samples and two wells were tested for Tritium, Z909~.W0093~4 .,44.U~
The wells tested were those closest to See Page 6 For Full Map the Catawba Nuclear Station.
By starting with wells closest to a site it can be determined how far, and in which direction, potential contaminants could travel from a source. If these test results show no problems, it indicates the locations farther away should have the same result.
These samples were taken in April 2008 to determine groundwater quality in your area and to determine whether certain types of radioactive materials might be present in the groundwater. In July 2008, ten of the private wells were re-sampled to confirm results found in the initial sampling.
Summary of Results Groundwater testing indicates that no radioactive materials from the Catawba Nuclear Station are present in the groundwater beyond the plant property. The testing showed that all 21 of the well water samples contained varying levels of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM). Well water can be treated to reduce the amount of radioactive materials present. Residents whose wells showed increased levels of NORM were given additional guidance on measures that can be taken to reduce the amount of those materials in their drinking water.
Regulatory Requirements:
If testing for radioactive materials shows levels continue to exceed EPA and DHEC safe drinking water levels,.
the Maximum Contamination Levels (MCLs), regulations state the water should be treated or ruled out as a source .ofsafe drinking water.
Test Results:
Tritium Of the 24 water samples taken five were tested for tritium, none showed any tritium above the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and DHEC safe drinking water standards. (For all results, see table on page 4.)
The EPA and DHEC safe drinking water limit for tritium is 20,000 picocuries per liter of water (abbreviated as pCi/L). (EPA Safe Drinking Water Act, 40 CFR 141)
Gross Alpha Of the 24 well water samples taken, all 21 well water samples showed detectible levels of Gross Alpha radiation. The three surface water samples were not tested for Gross Alpha. (For all results, see tables on pages 4 & 5.)
- The U.S. EPA and DHEC safe drinking water limit, or Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), for Gross Alpha is 15 pCi/L. (EPA Safe Drinking Water Act, 40 CFR 141)
In the 21 well water samples, where Gross Alpha was detected, ten of the wells initially exceeded or nearly exceeded the Maximum Contamination Level of 15 pCiIL. Those ten wells were re-sampled on July 24th.
- In addition to the MCL for Gross Alpha, the U.S. EPA and DHEC limit the level of several specific radioactive Alpha materials:
o Radium-226 MCL = 5 pCi/L.
o Radium-228 MCL = 5 pCi/L.
o Combined Radium-226 & Radium-228 MCL = 5 pCi/L.
o Uranium MCL = 30 micrograms per liter of water (Vg/L) which is approximately equal to 20 pCi/L.
In the ten wells re-sampled on July 24th, four contained higher levels of a specific set of Alpha materials, Radium-226, Radium-228, Combined Radium-226 and Radium-228, and Uranium.
Laboratory analysis showed the materials detected result from NORM often found in the ground or soil. These results are attributed to a high concentration of naturally occurring Uranium and Radium.
Gross Beta Of the 24 water samples taken, 21 well water samples were tested for Gross Beta. Fifteen of the 21 well water samples showed detectible levels of Gross Beta radiation in either the initial testing or the re-sampling. The three surface water samples were not tested for Gross Beta. (For all results, see table on page 4.)
Laboratory analysis showed these elements are a result of NORM often found in the ground or soil.
Gross Gamma If test results exceed the Gross Alpha or Gross Beta Maximum Contamination Levels, Gross Gamma tests are run to determine whether materials containing Gamma radiation exist in the water sources. No detectable levels of Gamma material were found. (For all results, see table on page 4.)
Understanding Radiation Exposure:
Radiation is everywhere. It is in our bodies and in the world around us. We. have about 120,000 picocuries of radioactivity in our bodies. These naturally occurring radioactive substances expose our bodies to between 25 and 40 "millirem" per year, abbreviated as "mRem/yr". We are exposed to a constant stream of radiation from the earth, the sun and outer space. The average American receives 360 millirem from natural or other sources each year. A typical chest x-ray yields between 8 and 10 millirem. Working under fluorescent light bulbs or the use of a cell phones will result in several millirem per year for each.
The severity and type of radiation exposure we receive, the amount of radiation, the length of exposure to radiation and the means by which we are exposed all influence whether personal health would be affected.
- Under the EPA and DHEC safe drinking water standard, the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for tritium is 20,000 pCi/L; for Gross Alpha the MCL is 15 pCi/L; for Gross Beta the MCL is 50 pCi/L.
" The EPA's safe drinking water standards are based upon lifetime drinking consumption calculations where the individual is drinking two liters of water - from the water source - per day, 365 days a year over a 70-year life span.
- Average U.S. background tritium levels, found in groundwater, are approximately 50 pCi/L.
For more information about NORM or information on how to treat water that may have elevated levels of NORM, visit the following DHEC websites:
Naturally Occurring Radium in Drinking Water:
http://www.scdhec.gov/environment/water/radium.htm Uranium:
http://www.scdhec.gov/environmcnt/water/uranium.htm Or contact: DHEC Bureau of Water Chuck Gorman (803) 898-3112 Pete Stone (803) 898-4151 For more information on Nuclear Power Plants in South Carolina visit our website at:
http://www.scdhec.net/environment/Iwm/html/nuclear power.htm For more information on EPA and DHEC safe drinking water limits visit the following websites at:
DHEC Understanding Your Drinking Water:
http://www.scdhec.gov/environment/water/dwoutreach.htm EPA Radionuclides in Drinking Water:
http:/Iwww.epa.gov/safewater/radionuctides/index.html Basic Information about Radionuclides in Drinking Water:
http://www.epa.gov/safewater/radionuclides/basici nformation.htmi Radiation and Radioactivity:
http://www.epa.zov/radiation/understand/
Commonly encountered Radionuclides:
http://www.epa.rovlradiationlradionuclides/indcx.html If you have additional questions about your well sampling, well testing results or information contained in this document please call 1-800-476-9677; during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Bethel Community Well Water Testing Results 04115/2008 CNSI-01 -- 4.59 pCi/L 6.92 pCi/L N/A Private Well 04/51008~N1-2.~Dul~atc <.:--~.<+. 7.65 pCi/L 7.4 1-00/L, ,N/A ~ Private Well 04/15/2008 CNSI-03 -- 3.16 pCi/L 4.97 pCi/L N/A Private Well 04/15/2008 CN$1.04: : 20,5 pCi/U 1.5:p :"/........ _____.... ......
_" ~
07/24/2008 CNS8-04 ... 23.1 pCi/L 7.72 pCi/L < LLD Private Well 04/152008 CSIJ 22.1 -pCifL 10.8 pCiIL Privat cWell-07/24/2008 CNSS-05 --- 2.74 pCi/L 8.42 pCi/L < LLD Private Well 04ti5/2008. C9NSI6 14.6:pCi/L.ý* :<LD " Private Well -
07/24/2008 CNS9-06 8.37 pCi/L 4.82 pCi/L < LLD Private Well MO.'/00CN2ll- .74-,pCi/L < LLD.PbicWl 04/15/2008 CNS2-13 --- 6.7 pCi/L 6.01 pCi/L -- _Private Well 04/15/2008 cNS2 4 :.....:" ,,- ... 14.6pCi .. 7pCi/L: ___________-___t Privte Weil 07/24/2008 CNS7-14 - 33.3 pCi/L 11.1 pCi/L < LLD Private Well 04115/2008 C N 2* 5, . ,19.0JpCiL/ . LLD __ _-_ ; PrivatetWell 07/24/2008 CNS8-15 - 16.9 pCi/L 12.8 pCi/L < LLD Private Well 04/i5/2008< CNSX-21 . -16.4 pCi/L <LLD , ______-__._________ PrivateWell, 07/24/2008 CNS7-21 -- 21.3 pCi/L 5.1 pCi/L < LLD Private Well 04/15/2086 CNS3-22 -- 15.5 pCi/L 4.47 pCdIL " . Private" W "
07-24-2008 CNS7-22 pCiL 7.29 pCi <LLD
<17.4 Private Well 04/15/2008 CNS3-23 1.4 pCi/L 17.9 pCi/L& Private We l 07/24/2008 CNS7-23 -- 27.9 pCi/L 14.2 pCi/L < LLD Private Well 04/15/26.008', CM 32J" 5 28. pC/l" 15.6 pCi/L' Private Well 07/24/2008 CNS7-25 --- 22.4 pCi/L .13.6 pCiiL < LLD Private Well 04152008 ______________ 7-~3 5i
- NS3-26
- pCi/ .. pCiL __________
N/A Private Wellz 04/15/2008 CNS4-31 ... 0.0527 pCi/L < LLD N/A Private Well 04/15/2008 CNS,432:-' .... ___ 12.16 pCi/L 4.98 pCi/L N/A Privai W I well 04/15/2008 CNS4-32-Duplleate -- 1.63 pCi/L < LLD N/A Private Well
"/I 5/2008 CNS4-3.L, 17.8X pCi/L I.___,._- 6.54.1Ci/. -l- Privat* Well 07/24/2008 CNS9-34 -- 17.5 pCi/L 7.67 pCi/L < LLD Private Well 07/24/2008. 'NS934--truplicate -.-. 6.18 pCi/I. 8.8 pCi/L.. Pri.vate Well 04/15/2008 CNS-4-37 *___--" 5.59 pCi/L < LLD N/A Private Well 04/15/20086 __*___..42.../ 4CNS4-38 . <LLD 'NA Private'Well 04/15/2008 CNS5-01-GW 388 pCi/L 9.23 pCi/L < LLD N/A Private Well 04/15/2008 CNS5-04iI-WD (n~uplicate) 514 pCiIL 12.3 pCi/L . ..., "'<U'D N/A Privatre: Wel1 04/15/2008 CNSS-02-CW < LLD 6.45 pCi/L < LLD N/A Private Well I.4/15/2008 10-804 1,320 pCi/IL _---_- __ N/A- 6 Surface"water 04/15/2008 CW-198 692 pCi/L --- N/A Surface Water II 5/2008 ;cw-230 ,994 pCi/L _ _ _, -- , N/A" Sur ace Waiter Measured in pCi/L or picocuries per liter of water.
- = Sample well CNSI-02 was a double blind duplicate sample taken from well CNSI-01. This means the two samples were pulled from the same well but given separate sample numbers to ensure lab and analysis testing procedures.
While Gross Alpha levels were within the EPA safe drinking water limit, results for specific screening for Combined Radium-226 and Radium-228 exceeded additional MCLs.
(Gross Alpha breakdown on following page)
Radi~um-226, Radium-228 Radium 226 & 228 Uranium
,07/24/2008' CNS8-04, DL < D 35.2 i*giL or 23.6 pCi/L vate 07/24/2008 CNS8-05 < LLD < LLD < LLD 34.9 Itg/ or 23.4 pCi/L Private Well 07/24/2008 CNS974' ' 1LDý
ý <:LLD <~LLD -- Pivate Well 07/2412008 CNS7-14 0.405 pCi/L 3.88 pCi/L 4.285 pCi/L 19.25 pg/L or 12.9 pCi/L Private Well
,07/24/200 .CS8- <LLD <'LLD <LLD 23.58 L,'/or 5.8Oý rivt Vl O~
07/24/2008 CNS7-21 <LLD 0.758 pCi/L .<LLD 28.21 g/L or 18&9 pCi/L Private Well 07/4/208 NS7220.79 pi/L ?1.45 p,/<LLD" 16.86 pig/l- or 11.3 pC i/L Prvate WVell 07/24/2008 CNS7-23 1.71 pCi/L 5.27 pCi/L 6.98 pCi/L 30.45 jig/L or 20.4 pCi/L Private Well 07/24/2008 CNS7-25' ...... _0____ __5_3__ : 6.55.p1i/L..i _9_0___________________w _
07/21.0208 NS9-3 < pLi/D 5.53 pCi/t ,rivate__1_1___/_ __ pfg/Lor 18.9 pCi/L Well 7124/2008 .CNS9-34 < LLD 1.31 pCifL 1.31 pCi/L 27.16 jWg/ or 18.2 pCi/L Private Wel
- = Measured in pCiIL or picocuries per liter of water.
- = Sample well CNS1-02 was a doubleblind duplicate sample taken from well CNSI-01. This means the two samples were pulled from the same well but given separate sample numbers to ensure lab and analysis testing procedures.
While Gross Alpha levels were within the EPA safe drinking water limit, results for specific screening for Combined Radium-226 and Radium-228 exceeded additional MCLs.
<LLD = Lower Level of Detection (means any radioactive material present was lower than what is scientifically measurable). This can also be expressed as Minimum Detectable Activity (MDA).
N/A = Initial screening of sample showed no indicators that would require secondary Gross Gamma screening/testing. (Gross Gamma test are run only if Gross Alpha or Gross Beta is exceeded.)
pCi/L = Picocuries per liter of water.
ttg/L = Micrograms per liter of water.
- = Not Tested/Not Analyzed.
EPA Safe Drinking Water - Maximum Contamination Levels Tritium = 20,000 picocuries per liter of water (pCi/L)***
Gross Alpha = 15 picocuries per liter of water (pCi/L)***
Gross Beta = 50 picocuries per liter of water (pCi/L)***
EPA Safe Drinking Water Levels for Gross Alpha Contributors - Maximum Contamination Levels Radium-226 - 5 picocuries per liter of water (pCi/L)***
Radium-228 = 5 picocuries per liter of water (pCi/L)***
Combined Radium-226 +228 (if both are present) = 5 picocuries per liter of water (pCi/L)***
Uranium -* 30 micrograms per liter of water (4g/L)***
(30 jig/L is approximately equal to 20 pCi/L)
- All limits are based upon consumption of two liters of water per day, 365 days per year over a 70-year lifespan.
Lvkv 1111 ie IFORK GOINTY Catawba. Nuclear Silo 0
o F CLII. M CNS Residential Well Sampling Adjacent I M1 1 Sampling Areas April1dtoCatawba Nuclear Site (CNS)02 0.
1~ ~ ~~Smln Areas______________ April 15, 2008 and July 24, 2008
BUREAU OF LAND AND WASTE MANAGEMENT April 14,2009
((Resident Name))
((Resident Address))
((City/Town)), South Carolina ((ZIP CODE))
RE: Your Sample ID: ((NPP CODE))-((Sample number))
Dear ((Resident Name)):
As you are aware, staff from the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEG) was in your community on April 15, 2008 to sample some private wells near the Catawba Nuclear Station. We sampled 21 wells and three surface water systems. The samples were analyzed to determine if radiation was in the groundwater.
Groundwater testing indicates that no radioactive materials from the Catawba Nuclear Station are present in the groundwater beyond the plant property. The testing showed all 21 of the well water samples contained varying levels of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM).
Well water can be treated to reduce the amount of radioactive materials present. Residents whose wells showed increased levels of NORM are being given additional guidance on measures that can be taken to reduce the amount of those materials in their drinking water.
Your results of this testing initially indicated a small amount of Gross Alpha particles above the Maximum Contamination Levels (MCLs) allowed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC). After re-sampling your well on July 24, 2008, results showed the levels detected were within the allowable range considered safe for drinking water under DIHEC and EPA guidelines Maximum Contamination Levels are conservative estimates based upon the assumption an individual consumes two liters of the water source per day, 365 days per year, over a 70-year lifespan.
While your results show levels above the standard, there is no immediate health risk to your or your family. However, based on the test results, you may want to consider routine testing of your water to determine whether these levels change significantly over time.
y3lýjjy'; 'I 4 -1 -
The results for all the testing from your community are contained in the enclosed Bethel Community Testing for Radioactive Materials Fact Sheet. Additional information on radioactive materials in groundwater is also enclosed.
As a precautionary measure, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and DHEC would like to encourage you, and all citizens, to test their homes for radon. Radon is a naturally occurring, colorless, odorless radioactive gas that can be fbund in varying levels in different homes.
Acquiring a radon test kit will allow you to measure the average concentration in your home by placing a kit in the area to be measured and then sending the device to the manufacturer for analysis. For more information on radon and how you may obtain a free kit, please refer to the radon brochure enclosed. To request a free Radon test kit you can call 1-800-768-0362 or email radon@dhec.sc.gov.
For more information on Nuclear Power Plants in South Carolina visit our website at:
http://www.scdhec.netlenvironment/twm/htmllnuclear power.htm If you have additional questions about your well testing results or information contained in this document, please call 1-800-476-9677 during normal business hours (Monday thru Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.).
Thank you for allowing us to test your well.
Sincerely, Chris Staton, Director Division of Waste Assessment and Emergency Response Enclosures