University of Arkansas disposes of wastewater from nuclear plant in city sewer system
The University of Arkansas has begun disposing of wastewater from the SEFOR nuclear plant into the city sewer system.
The water was tested by on outside labratory and the Arkansas Department of Health and deemed to be within the safe limits for radioactive materials.
The wastewater was extracted from two buildings at the SEFOR facility, that are separate from the building that houses the nuclear reactor.
The water was then transported to Baum Stadium, where it was pumped through a manhole in to the sewer system.
The water will flow in to a water treatment plant and eventually in to Beaver Lake, the main source for drinking water in the area.
The program manager for the Department of Health's Radiological Materials Program tells 40/29 News that the water tested two and a half times below the limit for radioactive materials.
Both the Department of Health and the Beaver Water District say the dilution of the water throughout the various systems, and the already low level of radiation, make the water safe for people to drink.