Leaky pipe ID'd as radioactive source at nuclear Plant Hatch

October 3, 2011
By Associated Press | The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Workers have identified an underground pipe leaking radioactive water beneath a nuclear power plant in Georgia.

Southern Co. spokeswoman Amoi Geter said Monday that workers were seeking to determine if that pipe below Plant Hatch in Baxley is the sole cause of a leak of radioactive tritium that was first discovered Wednesday.

Tritium is a radioactive form of hydrogen that is created inside nuclear reactors. So far, the utility and state environmental officials say the water containing tritium has not spread beyond a small area on the grounds of the nuclear power plant. They say it is not a threat to the public.

Southern Co. officials have said they hope to have the leak repaired early this week.