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Samples Show Low Concentrations At Nuclear Site

Randy Montoya

The results of new monitoring data show slightly elevated levels of airborne radiation at and around the U.S. government's nuclear repository in southeastern New Mexico.

The U.S. Department of Energy said Monday the results are from samples collected last week at numerous air monitoring stations at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant and in the surrounding area.

The results are consistent with the kinds of low-grade nuclear waste stored at the underground site, but both federal and state officials say there's no indication of any public health threat.

The monitoring is ongoing, and a DOE team has been appointed to determine what caused the leak.

The DOE announced Feb. 15 it was stopping operations in response to an underground radiation sensor. A few days later, the agency confirmed radiation had also been released above ground.

 

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