Tritium in Groundwater
In 1989 tritium was initially discovered in groundwater in several locations of Area IV. The data was presented in the quarterly and annual grounwater monitoring reports and the Annual Site Environmental Monitoring Reports (ASERs).
A study of the potential sources of tritium was conducted. Building 4010, the site of a SNAP reactor, was determined to be the most likely source of tritium. Other potential sources were identified as the SRE, Buildings 4024, 4028, and 4059.
- RI/RD-92-186, "Tritium Production and Release to Groundwater at SSFL." December 1, 1992
In 2004, a series of groundwater wells were installed to retrieve samples from the potential sources of tritium. Tritium was found in several wells surrounding the location of the former Building 4010, confirming the earlier study.
The status of tritium in groundwater has been presented in the various DOE public meetings, most recently at the June 2006 public meeting .
- June 2006 Tritium Investigation Update
- Tritium investigation
- New tritium wells in Area IV
- Soil and Groundwater tests for tritium in Area IV
