vermont yankee vsnap presentation february 22, 2011 mike romeo director nsa
TRANSCRIPT
Agenda
● VY was requested to present
● Groundwater monitoring
● Tritium testing and extraction
● Drinking well water testing status
● VY was requested to present
● Groundwater monitoring
● Tritium testing and extraction
● Drinking well water testing status
Entergy Focus on Safe Plant Operations
● Health and Safety our highest priority
● NO detectable Tritium levels found in drinking water
● NO detectable Tritium levels found in Connecticut River
● NO public health or safety issues; confirmed by Vermont Department of Health
● NO nuclear safety issues
● Entergy will NOT jeopardize nuclear, radiological, environmental, or public safety
● Health and Safety our highest priority
● NO detectable Tritium levels found in drinking water
● NO detectable Tritium levels found in Connecticut River
● NO public health or safety issues; confirmed by Vermont Department of Health
● NO nuclear safety issues
● Entergy will NOT jeopardize nuclear, radiological, environmental, or public safety
Tritium Background
What is Tritium?
An isotope of hydrogen Occurs naturally and as a by-product of nuclear power
operations
When combined with oxygen, it becomes “tritiated water”
US Environmental Protection Agency identifies tritium as among the weakest of radionuclides Emits very low energy beta particle
Particle does not penetrate skin Particle does not travel far in air (inches)
Voluntary Groundwater Monitoring Initiative
Prior to 2007 there were 31 groundwater monitoring wells on site at VY for various reasons
In 2007 installed 3 new wells (Phase 1) for the groundwater monitoring initiative
In 2010 we accelerated the placement of phase 2 wells onsite.
A total of 62 wells are currently on site. 31 original and 31 monitoring wells for the groundwater monitoring initiative.
Groundwater Remediation
Extraction wells were located in order to remove the largest possible amount of tritium
Transport of the extracted groundwater to a licensed disposal facility was performed
Total Volume extracted to date is 320,500 gals
As part of the current extraction process, 13,200 gal is currently on site in the collection tank
307,300 gal have been shipped offsite
Groundwater Remediation
Besides tritium, no other plant generated radionuclides identified in groundwater
Removing water is expected to reduce the overall tritium content in the groundwater
Groundwater Extraction
Entergy is committed to continued extraction in an effort to remove more tritiated water
Entergy is also committed to sampling from the COB Well
A modification is in the approval process for implementation on or about Friday Feb 25th.
GZ-24 Investigation
On January 17, 2011 VY Chemistry became aware of a positive tritium identification in well GZ-24
Notifications were promptly made to stakeholders
An investigation team was formed and we are actively seeking to identify the source of the tritium in GZ-24
GZ-24 Investigation
GZ-24 is a Sentinel well located near the RadWaste Building.
GZ-24 tested positive on sample obtained December 28
Team is investigating potential sources Migration of tritium plume from AOG Pipe Tunnel Leak Buried lines of interest Sumps and tanks
GZ-24 Investigation
Pipelines of Interest
RW-204 Stack Sump Discharge Line WRW-243-G1 Drain Line from 2nd AOG Delay Pipe RW-186 Drain Line from Steam Packing Exhaust RW-176 Drain Line from 1st AOG Delay Pipe RW-187 Drain Line from Standby Gas Treatment
System
GZ-24 Investigation
To date, the Stack Sump Discharge Line (RW-204) and 2nd Stage AOG Delay Pipe (WRW-243) Drain Line have been tested and ruled out as sources.
RW-186 line has been tested 2/21 and data is being evaluated
Preparations underway for test of 1st Stage AOG Delay Pipe Drain (RW-176).
Loop Seal Modifications underway
RW-187 Drain Line from Standby Gas Treatment System testing is being planned
Summary
● Health & Safety always our First Priority
● Strong Communications with new Administration
● Continued Commitment to Operational Excellence
● Health & Safety always our First Priority
● Strong Communications with new Administration
● Continued Commitment to Operational Excellence
Final review
● VY was requested to present
● Groundwater monitoring
● Tritium testing and extraction
● Drinking well water testing status
Panel questions?