Tritium concentration limitation for liquid effluent releases from inland NPPs to receiving water

The issue of the tritium concentration limitation for liquid effluent releases from inland NPPs to receiving water aroused wide concern of stakeholders. Following the regulatory principles of environmental radiation protection and the radiation protection basis of limiting tritium concentration in the receiving water, the application of screening levels and guidance levels for tritium in drinking water is discussed. In regulations for Environmental Radiation Protection of Nuclear Power Plant (GB 6249-2011), it is appropriate that tritium concentration limitation for liquid tritium releases from inland NPPs should be interpreted as screening levels, not as mandatory limits. Any exceeding of the screening levels, should be taken as a trigger for further investigation, but not necessarily as an indication that the drinking-water is unsafe. (authors)