Westchester Legislator Testa Issues Statement On Indian Point Leak

BUCHANAN, N.Y. -- Westchester County Legislator John Testa, after hearing what Entergy had to say Tuesday, assured the public that safety remains a top priority and the leak of radioactive water at the utility’s Buchanan power plant poses no danger to the public or the Hudson River.

Westchester County Legislator John Testa, a resident of Peekskill, attending a briefing by Entergy officials Tuesday on the situation at Indian Point. A leak at the nuclear plant in Buchanan has contaminated groundwater at the site with tritium.
Photo Credit: *Courtesy of John Testa*

Carol Reif

02/17/2016 4:00 a.m.

Testa, a lifelong resident of nearby Peekskill, said that the utility is confident that it has identified and isolated the source of elevated tritium levels that have been found in groundwater on the site.

Entergy reported Tuesday on the ongoing investigation by engineers, scientists, safety experts and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission representatives who are working on site, Testa said.

According to the briefing he and other governmental “stakeholders” received, Testa said that Indian Point personnel confirmed that remediation and prevention measures will be put in place.

Entergy has, said the former Peekskill mayor and city councilman, “been forthcoming and comprehensive in their discussions with those of us who represent the surrounding region.”

The investigation has, so far, “also seemed to validate that the leak has stopped and tritium levels are stabilized and trending downward,” Testa said.

Testa promised to keep a close eye on the probe.

Noting that the “energy produced at Indian Point provides 25 percent of the essential electricity for our area and New York City,” Testa said that while it is “critical” to the region, “it must be delivered in a safe way.”

Testa said those with concerns and questions can contact Entergy via their hotline – (800) 472-6372.

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