Demolition Water Releases

Demolition water absorbs trace amounts of radioactivity, mainly tritium, from concrete rubble. However, due to the very low levels of radioactivity, the release process has been modified. Ion exchangers and a radiation monitor used in batch releases are no longer needed. Demolition water still requires processing through filters and adjustment of pH, a measure of acidity and alkalinity of a liquid. The water is sampled prior to release to confirm NDPES discharge and NRC license requirements.

Liquid Batch Releases Update
Liquid Batch Releases Update
  • In 2025 SONGS completed the processing of high activity water (e.g., spent fuel pool and reactor cavity water)
  • Going forward, what remains is rainwater and dust suppression water (“demolition water”) that collects in building basements undergoing demolition
  • This demolition water absorbs trace amounts of radioactivity (mainly tritium) from concrete rubble
  • Due to the presence of concrete, demolition water requires processing through filters and adjustment of pH, a measure of acidity and alkalinity of a liquid
  • Due to the low levels of radioactivity, mainly tritium, Ion exchangers and an inline radiation monitor is no longer necessary
  • Processed water is sampled and analyzed prior to release to confirm NPDES discharge permit and NRC license requirements (including radiation) are met