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This is an archive article published on July 21, 2000

Radioactive storm runoff reported near Los Alamos lab

SANTA FE, JULY 20: Scientists have reported radioactive storm runoff in a fire-denuded area above the Los Alamos nuclear laboratory.The fi...

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SANTA FE, JULY 20: Scientists have reported radioactive storm runoff in a fire-denuded area above the Los Alamos nuclear laboratory.

The first significant thunderstorm to hit Los Alamos after a fire burned through the area this spring flushed higher-than-average levels of radiation down Los Alamos Canyon early last month, the lab reported on Tuesday.

It8217;s not water used for drinking, lab officials said.

Preliminary, uncorroborated data suggest the storm moved plutonium, cesium-137, strontium-90 and other contaminants 8211; still within allowable health standards. But in areas of the Canyon, overall combined radioactivity rose above levels that would trigger a cleanup of drinking water 8211; if drinking water were at issue.

A team of state, lab and university of new Mexico officials are about to begin sampling storm runoff around Los Alamos.

 

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