Radiation Monitor in Richland Not Working Properly
TRI-CITIES -- Air, water, and milk, the feds are watching closely for any spikes in radiation following the nuclear fallout in Japan. KEPR uncovered a flaw in the system. The air monitoring station in Richland isn't working properly.
There have been no readings in our area for two weeks now. And those readings are critical to making sure our radiation levels aren't up.
When concerns about radiation popped up after the Japan disaster, Action News showed you the air monitor in Richland.
It's only one of four stations in Washington watched by the state and feds.
And KEPR told you, you could track those readings online as well. But after KEPR checked back we noticed something wrong.
In April, the readings stop. Seattle, Spokane and Tumwater still have readings. So why not Richland?
KEPR started by making calls to the Washington State Department of Health. They're the ones that post the data. But KEPR was told the monitor is actually owned by the feds. The EPA owns and operates it.
They told us the part that's not working reads beta, but gamma readings are still coming in.
And the EPA say there have been no gamma spikes to be concerned about.
And EPA spokesperson told KEPR fixing the air monitor is not a priority.
Here's the EPA's statement: "Since the gamma and filter/cartridge information is still being provided consistently, we are confident that this RADNET monitor is offering us a comprehensive, real-time picture of what's happening, radiation-wise, in the Tri-Cities."
But after the Tri-Cities just tested positive for radiation in our drinking water, it's important to keep tabs on how our environment is being impacted from a nuclear disaster.
KEPR also wanted to know what could have caused the readings to stop in Richland. The EPA is guessing it could be radio tower interference.
Click here for the EPA's Richland radiation monitoring website.
