What is the status of radioactive technetium-99 (Tc-99) contamination in the groundwater?
Technetium-99 is present in the groundwater onsite at NFS. Nuclear Fuel Services detected elevated levels of Tc-99 in onsite groundwater monitoring wells between 1998 and 2004. The highest level was recorded at 25,770 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) in July 1999. When it was first detected, well pumping was used to reduce Tc-99 concentrations. Since 2004, Tc-99 levels onsite have remained near or below 1 percent of the NRC limit from 10 CFR Part 20, Appendix B, value for offsite water effluent releases of Tc-99 (60,000 pCi/L). Therefore well pumping was stopped.
