NRC observing investigation of tritium at Palo Verde-3

Washington (Platts)--6Mar2006

The NRC sent a health physicst to Palo Verde today to observe Arizona Public
Service Co.'s investigation into tritium-laced water found near Palo Verde-3,
NRC spokesman Victor Dricks said. There has not been any indication that the
radioactive material moved offsite, Dricks said. APS notified NRC of its
finding last week after it alerted the Arizona Department of Environmental
Quality. The tritium content of water found in a 13-foot-deep hole near unit 3
was about 71,400 picocuries per liter, APS spokesman James McDonald said. The
level is low but above what's permitted under regulation, he said. APS has not
yet determined the source of the tritium--whether it came from an underground
pipe leak, the plant's NRC-permitted releases of tritium into the air, or
occurred naturally, McDonald said. No leaks have been found, he said, adding
that the tainted water is more than 200 feet above an aquifer with potable
water. Tritium is a byproduct of fission.

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