BUCHANAN, N.Y. — U.S. Sen. Charles E. Schumer on Sunday called on the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission to investigate the recent leak of radioactive material into groundwater at the Indian Point nuclear power plant just up the Hudson River from New York City.
Schumer, D-NY, wants the NRC to find out why a water pump at the Buchanan plant failed, leading to “disconcerting levels of tritium in the water wells surrounding Indian Point,” according to a statement issued by his office.
“It is critical that proper safety measures are in place to prevent water contamination,” Schumer said. “That is why I am urging (the) NRC to fully investigate all the wells surrounding Indian Point and determine why the pump was not working, how far the contamination spread, how to prevent future spills and, more importantly, determine if local residents’ health and safety are at risk.”