Remediation of LLRW disposal sites have been underway for some time
The following is Leon County Administrator Vince Long’s response to an editorial written by retired Tallahassee cardiologist Dr. Edward Holifield, which was published in the Aug. 10 edition of the Capital Outlook.
Good afternoon Dr. Holifield, et al.
As you know, the County was recently made aware of FSU’s remediation of the two LLRW disposal sites utilized in the late 1950’s through the 1970’s. Since we were made aware of these efforts, we have been in official contact with FSU and the responsible state regulatory agencies and will continue to do so until the remediation is complete.
As you also know, the remediation efforts being undertaken by FSU on these LLRW sites are appropriately extensive and are being conducted under the jurisdiction of the US Forest Service, the US Department of Agriculture, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Radiation Control.
As I said, FSU remediation efforts at the Apalachicola National Forest LLRW are extensive and consist of both the removal and off-site disposal of all source material, and followed by targeted in-situ treatment. As to your concern about private well water, you stated, “The contaminated groundwater is not that far from the Fort Braden residential community.”
Based on the environmental studies conducted to determine the remediation required, the area of contamination is limited to approximately eight (8) acres in size. The nearest drinking wells have shown not to be affected by the site and the nearest well is located 2.5 miles away – which is operated by the Forest Service. In addition, the Fort Braden residential area is approximately 3.5 miles away and in the opposite direction of the 8 acre plume. That said, all chemical and radiological substances present in groundwater of the contaminated area (identified by the outside environmental analysis contracted by FSU), will be remediated utilizing (PersulfOxTM) and trailed by Monitored Natural Attenuation (MNA). All of which will be followed by quarterly performance monitoring events for an initial one year, and subject to re-evaluation for the subsequent two years.
As you are well aware, FSU developed a website dedicated to providing information regarding their Low Level Radioactive Waste (LLRW) sites. Included in the website, is a fairly robust FAQ section containing information on location and size of the sites, potential hazards, and remediation plans. The FAQ section for the Apalachicola Forest site specifically addresses the question of drinking water well contamination.
Let me assure you that Leon County shares your concerns about ensuring that these sites are completely remediated and pose no threat to human or environment health. As you mentioned, FSU is a party to settlement agreement with the US Forest Service to do just that. Regardless of the settlement agreement which spells out the specifics of the remediation plans and timeframes, everything I have seen in this matter certainly indicates that FSU is and has been working in very good faith to fully remediate these sites. The County will be monitoring this issue closely. However, for your future inquiries I would suggest that you contact the Florida Department of Environmental Protection as the responsible regulatory agency and/or FSU (who has been responsive to you in this matter), either of whom will be able to provide more specifics.
I hope you know, Dr Holifield, as always, I sincerely appreciate the concerns you have raised and we will continue to take them very seriously.
In Service,
Vince
