SANTA FE, N.M. -- Scientists have reported radioactive storm runoff in a fire-ravaged area nearthe Los Alamos nuclear laboratory, according to a report from the Associated Press.
The first major 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 July 18.
It's not water used for drinking, lab officials said.
Preliminary, uncorroborated data suggest the storm moved plutonium, cesium-137, strontium-90 and other contaminants - 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 - 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.
