Radioactive material has been detected in the groundwater below a nuclear power plant north of New York City, prompting an investigation by state officials, Gov. Cuomo said Saturday.
Water contaminated by tritium leaked into the groundwater at the Indian Point Energy Center, Cuomo said. Officials say the contamination has remained contained to the site and that there is no risk to the public.
The state's environmental conservation and health departments will investigate, the governor said.
"Our first concern is for the health and safety of the residents close to the facility and ensuring the groundwater leak does not pose a threat," he said.
A spokeswoman for Indian Point didn't immediately respond Saturday to a request for comment.
Elevated levels of tritium were found in two monitoring wells at the plant in 2014. In that instance, officials said the contamination likely stemmed from a earlier maintenance shutdown.
