Schumer calls on feds to investigate Indian Point leak

BUCHANAN - U.S. Sen. Charles E. Schumer on Sunday called on the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission to investigate the recent leak of radioactive material into groundwater at the Indian Point nuclear power plant.

Schumer, D-NY, wants the NRC to find out why a water pump at the Buchanan plant failed, leading to “disconcerting levels of tritium in the water wells surrounding Indian Point,” according to a statement issued by his office.

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“It is critical that proper safety measures are in place to prevent water contamination,” Schumer said. “That is why I am urging (the) NRC to fully investigate all the wells surrounding Indian Point and determine why the pump was not working, how far the contamination spread, how to prevent future spills and, more importantly, determine if local residents’ health and safety are at risk.”

A spokesman for Entergy, which operates Indian Point, said the elevated levels of tritium found in the groundwater are more than 1,000 times below federal limits and do not pose a public health risk.

Schumer said Entergy told the NRC that a pump at Indian Point was not operational and allowed water with tritium into a water well. Indian Point stopped operations after the tritium was detected.

NRC Chairman Stephen G. Burns told Schumer the leakage would not affect drinking water because it would take two months of migration before the water was emptied into the Hudson River.

"Even at that point, NRC claims the amount of tritium would be well within federal limits,” the statement added.

The investigation will determine if the NRC must take additional steps to prevent contaminated water from entering the Hudson, Schumer said.

NRC spokesman Neil Sheehan said the NRC will be sending a radiation protection specialist to Indian Point this week to review the incident.

"He will be independently assessing what occurred and learning more about Entergy's investigation into the event. Our three on-site Resident Inspectors will be available to assist him and we can also tap other expertise within the agency on groundwater contamination," Sheehan said. "At this point, there are no impacts on the public or plant workers."

Staff writer Akiko Matsuda contributed reporting.