Press Release - Thursday, April 13, 2006
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Illinois EPA issues Notice of Violation to Exelon in Byron for tritium releases
Springfield, Ill. -- A Violation Notice, the first step in formal enforcement proceedings, has been sent to Exelon Generation by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA), as the result of leaks of water containing tritium, identified during an ongoing investigation at the company's Byron Station facility.
The Violation Notice specifically identifies violations of state environmental regulations relating to the impairment of resource groundwater. Exelon reported that five vacuum breaker valve vaults had standing water from leaks from valve failures. In addition, sample results from two groundwater monitoring wells on-site show concentrations of tritium at levels that contaminate the groundwater and could potentially threaten private wells.
Exelon is also being cited for discharging wastewater-containing contaminants from areas of the discharge system other than the outfall points allowed by its NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) water discharge permit, as well as violating other operational and reporting requirements of its NPDES discharge permit.
IEPA has already sent two violation notices to the Exelon Generation Company for violations at the Braidwood Station facility and one for the Dresden Station facility. The Braidwood violations have been referred to the Attorney General for enforcement action.
The alleged violators will have 45 days from receipt of the Violation Notice to respond and provide an enforceable plan for addressing each of the specified violations to prevent a re-occurrence. During that time, they may document that the charges are not applicable, or demonstrate to the Illinois EPA how they will resolve the violation through a proposed Compliance Commitment Agreement. The Illinois EPA would have to concur with the plan.
The letter also advises Exelon that, because of the nature and seriousness of the violations, further enforcement action may be required that could include imposition of statutory penalties and fines.
The Illinois EPA will continue oversight in order to ensure compliance with the Illinois Environmental Protection Act and Illinois Groundwater Regulations.
Contacts:
Maggie Carson 217/558.1536
Jill Watson 312/814.0778
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