Radioactive leaks increasing at U.S. nuclear plants (Oyster Creek New Jersey)

[jpak]

http://www.mycentraljersey.com/article/B3/20110410/NJNEWS/110408041/1098/NJNEWS11/Radioactive-leaks-increasing-U-S-nuclear-plants?odyssey=nav%7Chead

Millions of gallons of radioactive water have leaked from nuclear power plants throughout the U.S. since the 1970s, threatening water supplies in New Jersey and other states, an Asbury Park Press investigation found.

Despite massive leaks that pollute groundwater, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission has never fined a violator - even plant operators that repeatedly leaked tritium, a radioactive form of hydrogen and a common byproduct of nuclear fission that can cause cancer.

Major leaks at plants have increased in recent years. There was an average of one per year in the 1990s. There were five leaks or spills reported in 2010, five in 2009 and three in 2008, according to an NRC document.

"A leak in and of itself is generally not considered a violation,'' an NRC spokesman, Neil A. Sheehan, said in an email last week. The NRC's mission is to ensure the public faces "no undue risk,'' he said. Tritium leaks do not pose that risk level, he said.

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[ensho]

1. like all Barons, the nuke Barons lie

nt

[madokie]

2. And have since day one.