ML18144A956
| ML18144A956 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 05/24/2018 |
| From: | Scott Burnell Office of Public Affairs |
| To: | Louthan C - No Known Affiliation |
| Shared Package | |
| ML18141A777 | List: |
| References | |
| LTR-18-0208 | |
| Download: ML18144A956 (1) | |
Text
UNITED STATES NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20555-001 May 24, 2018 Mr. Caleb Louthan 313 S 12th Street Nebraska City, NE 68410
Dear Mr. Louthan:
Thanks for your letter regarding how the NRC carries out its mission of protecting public health and safety during the U.S. civilian use of radioactive materials.
The issue of an unplanned release of tritiated water at the LaCrosse decommissioning site remains under NRC review. The release occurred as the site was working in the former reactor building, resulting in elevated tritium levels of 24,200 picocuries per liter in a single, shallow monitoring well adjacent to the building. Later tests of that well have failed to show evidence of any further tritium release. The single elevated reading is slightly above the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys drinking water standard, but that well is separate from any drinking water source.
Based on available information, the released tritium is not likely to impact public health and safety. NRC inspectors have confirmed that the leak has been isolated and continue to independently assess the licensees and their contractors actions to perform in-depth groundwater monitoring to make sure the company has adequately understood the impact of the release on public health and safety. When inspectors complete their review of the sites characterization of the situation, they will document their conclusions in a publicly available inspection report.
Please feel free to e-mail me at Scott.Burnell@nrc.gov if you have any other questions.
Sincerely,
/RA/
Scott Burnell, Public Affairs Officer Office of Public Affairs Nuclear Regulatory Commission