Iodine-129 Levels in Milk and Water Near a Nuclear Fuel Reprocessing Plant

Abstract

Detection of substantial 129I concentration in animal thyroids collected in the environs of a nuclear fuel reprocessing plant in West Valley, New York, signified a general buildup of 129I in the environment surrounding the plant. Concern for a possible public health problem led to the development of a program to establish 129I levels in milk and water in cooperation with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Surveillance for 129I in milk was begun in September 1971. In a 12-month period the 129I levels in 95 milk samples from farms surrounding the nuclear fuel reprocessing plant ranged from nondetectable (<0.3 pCi/L) to 2 pCi/l. In addition, 111 water samples collected between June 1971 and July 1972 from streams draining the plant site were analyzed for 129I. Samples from Buttermilk Creek, which is on the plant site, showed 129I concentrations up to 7.7 pCi/l. The impact of 129I in the environment surrounding the plant is evaluated. Estimates of dose commitment are provided and are compared, for adults, to radiation protection guides. Recommendations are offered to reduce the potential public health hazard, principally by limiting the release of 129I levels to the biosphere.