        |
        |
|
Low levels of tritium at Fermilab - Overview In November 2005, for the first time in the 30-year history of our environmental monitoring program at Fermilab, we detected very small amounts of tritium in a stream leaving the Fermilab site. The levels found in ponds on the Fermilab site and in Indian Creek are far lower than the federal water standards that Fermilab is required to meet. Fermilab is committed to go beyond merely satisfying the regulatory limits; to reduce tritium discharges to the maximum extent achievable; to keep the public fully informed; and to engage the public in the establishment of goals and formulation of plans. At all times, the amounts detected in water samples posed no threat to human health or to the environment, and the levels were far lower than the federal water standards we are required to meet. As soon as we confirmed the presence of tritium, we immediately took steps to minimize the possibility of water containing tritium to enter Indian Creek. However, water with low levels of tritium may occasionally leave the Fermilab site, for example after heavy rain storms. We are taking every possible step to keep the levels of tritium in site discharges as low as reasonably achievable. We believe that our neighbors have a right to know what is happening on the laboratory site and how we are keeping our commitment to protect the environment. This Web site provides our neighbors with information and updates on the situation. The site also provides the latest results for monitoring tritium discharges at the site boundary. Indian Creek has returned below detection limit, and Kress Creek as well as Ferry Creek haven't had any detectable levels of tritium.
|
| last modified 06/20/2006 email Fermilab |
 |
|
| Security, Privacy, Legal |  |