March 29, 2024
BANGOR DAILY NEWS (BANGOR, MAINE

Contaminated water leaks at Maine Yankee

WISCASSET — About 5,500 gallons of contaminated water accidentally leaked from a holding tank at the closed Maine Yankee nuclear power plant, according to a report filed with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

Dr. Phil Haines, deputy director of the state Bureau of Health, said Wednesday that the amount of radiation released last week poses no health threat.

“The amount of radiation is so low it probably won’t even be detectable,” Haines said. “It’s like having about 20 smoke detectors floating in the bay.”

The release took place at a holding tank that was being filled with water to cool a diamond saw. The saw was being used to cut concrete in the containment building so that steam generators could be moved out.


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