“
The State of Illinois slapped a lawsuit against energy producer Exelon over leaks of the radioactive chemical tritium.

News of leaked tritium has dogged Exelon for months.

The company admits the Braidwood Nuclear power plant leaked tritium-contaminated water several times over the past decade. But the company didn’t reveal the spills for years.

Nearby residents worry the company’s hiding the threat posed to local drinking wells.

Now, prosecutors want the law to catch up with the rumors.

The state’s seeking millions in fines, including $35 million for a single leak in 1996. Attorneys also want the company to provide safe water to residents.

But prosecutors are asking the court to dispel uncertainty over the leaks.

Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow says only the courts have the power to get straight answers from the company and relief for the community.

In a statement issued today, Exelon says it takes full responsibility for the contamination, and is moving forward with plans to fix it.

It says it has not seen the complaint yet, but is continuing discussions with the attorney general’s office.

The company says these levels of tritium do not present a health risk.
“