#Fukushima Crisis? What Crisis? EPA Stops Special Monitoring of Radiation in the US

Now, you get to know how radioactive your water and milk is once every quarter, like the good old pre-Fukushima times.

They don't even test fish. I'm sure they are so ready when the highly contaminated water from Fukushima reach California as early as next year.

From EPA's announcement on May 5, 2011 (emphasis is mine):

Last updated on Thursday, May 05, 2011 at 2:45:37 PM.

Due to the consistent decrease in radiation levels across the country associated with the Japanese nuclear incident, EPA will update the daily data summary page only when new data are posted. Historical daily data summaries will continue to be accessible from this webpage.

After a thorough data review showing declining radiation levels related to the Japanese nuclear incident, EPA has returned to the routine RadNet sampling and analysis process for precipitation, drinking water and milk.

As always, EPA's RadNet system of more than 100 stationary monitors will continue to provide EPA scientists near-real-time data on the slightest fluctuations in background radiation levels. Due to the consistently decreasing radiation levels, EPA is evaluating the need to continue operating the additional air monitors deployed in response to the Japan nuclear incident. EPA will continue to analyze air filters and cartridges from all air monitors as they arrive at the laboratory and will post the data as available.

In accordance with normal RadNet protocol, EPA will be analyzing milk and drinking water samples on a quarterly basis and precipitation samples as part of a monthly composite. The next round of milk and drinking water sampling will take place in approximately three months.

It is important to note that all of the radiation levels detected by RadNet monitors and sampling have been very low, are well below any level of public health concern, and continue to decrease over time. EPA continues to work with federal partners to monitor the situation in Japan and stands prepared to accelerate radiation sampling and analysis if the need arises. Data will continue to be available on EPA's public website.

This blog has a post about the RadNet monitoring in California, where EPA relies on volunteers to collect filters because it fits their lifestyle. And their "near real-time" data is probably 1 week turnaround time, as the filters get mailed to Alabama.

(One commenter to my blog, Robbie 001, says the RadNet was out of service during the initial plume. EPA's special radiation monitoring, sure enough, didn't start until March 17.)

Now, there's another US government agency that has gone very quiet on Fukushima I Nuke Plant accident: the NRC. What are they up to?

Tweet