As part of an ongoing investigation of the graphite reactor complex, BNL inspected, on September 15, a below-ground air duct that was used to cool the reactor when it was operating. Subsequently, the Lab determined that the air duct contains approximately 60,000 gallons of water, and initial sampling and analyses indicated that the water is contaminated with the radioactive elements strontium, cesium and tritium. BNL has now identified additional radioactive elements in the water. The Lab will begin the process of pumping out the water next week and will start groundwater monitoring in the area the following week. The water level in the duct is approximately 25 feet below ground.
Radiation measurements are at normal background levels above ground, at the surface.
Neither BNL workers nor members of the public are being exposed to the water. The lowest point of the air duct is about 30 feet above the water table in the area. BNL has prepared a procedure for pumping water out of the air duct and forwarded the pumping plan to regional environmental regulators for their information. The pumping process is scheduled to begin the week of October 27 and will last several weeks. The water will be temporarily stored in tanks that sit within lined containers to prevent environmental release, and the tanks are located in a paved, curbed and isolated area on the Lab site.