Summary of I-129 measurements in ground and surface waters

Abstract

The iodine-129 content of groundwater and surface water at on-plant (Savannah River Plant) and off-plant locations has been determined at irregular intervals since 1970 using neutron activation analysis. I-129 was detected in groundwater near the Burial Ground and near the seepage basins of the Separations areas. For reference, I-129 concentrations in the groundwater can be compared to the EPA drinking water standard. At a few locations the concentrations exceeded both the existing and pending EPA drinking water standard. In surface water, Four Mile Creek was the only SRP stream found to transport significant I-129 to the Savannah River. Dilution by C-Reactor discharge and the Savannah River reduced the off-plant I-129 concentrations in river water to less than 1% of the existing EPA drinking water standard and less than 0.01% of the pending EPA drinking water standard.