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Vermont Yankee VSNAP Presentation February 22, 2011 Mike Romeo Director NSA. Agenda. 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
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Vermont Yankee VSNAP Presentation February 22, 2011 Mike Romeo Director NSA
Agenda • 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 • NOdetectable 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 NOTjeopardize 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.
Site Well Positions Groundwater flow direction
Site Well Locations Close-up Groundwater flow direction
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
Final review • VY was requested to present • Groundwater monitoring • Tritium testing and extraction • Drinking well water testing status • Panel questions?