Indian Point Leak More Serious Than First Thought
Cancer-Causing Strontium-90 In Rod Pool Water
By Tony Aiello
WCBS TV2, NY
March 22, 2006
(CBS)BUCHANAN There are 103 nuclear power plants in the United States, but the Nuclear Regulatory Commission says only one is leaking radioactive strontium-90: the Indian Point plant in Westchester County.
Now, some residents in northern Westchester are worried whether it's safe to drink the water.
"They got enough engineers to fix these problems," said John Flood of Cortlandt Manor. "These leaks shouldn't happen."
Added Drew Antoine of Peekskill: "I feel very insecure, very insecure."
Strontium-90, which is known to cause cancer, is found in the pools of water where spent fuel rods are stored. Officials have known for more than 15 years that the pools are leaking contaminated water. The leaks are being monitored by wells drilled into the ground. The NRC announced this week one sample taken last month showed strontium-90 levels three-times higher than the amount allowed in drinking water.
The NRC assumes the contaminated water is finding its way into the Hudson River. But Entergy, the company that owns Indian Point, and Westchester County officials agree it doesn't represent a threat to public health at this point.
"The river dilutes the strontium-90, and the river water is not part of the public drinking water supply," said Jim Steets, a spokesman for Entergy. "So from the standpoint of public safety, we're not concerned, to the extent that this can be a problem, based on what we've seen so far."
Entergy admits it has a lot of work to do to plug all the leaks at the aging plant. Steets warned the NRC is likely to learn of additional contaminants, based on an expanded surveillance and monitoring program.
He made his comments Wednesday at Cortlandt Town Hall, where local officials held a summit with the Department of Homeland Security. Concerns about the Indian Point emergency evacuation plan were the main topic. Congresswoman Sue Kelly, (R) Katonah, praised DHS officials for "keeping an open mind" and showing willingness to work more closely with local officials to address concerns.
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