Leak

How the discovery of a harmless leak of radiation sparked a media firestorm, political grandstanding, and fearmongering that closed a vital scientific facility. In 1997, scientists at Brookhaven National Laboratory found a small leak of radioactive water near their research reactor. Brookhaven was—and is—a world-class, Nobel Prize–winning lab, and its reactor was the cornerstone of US materials science and one of the world’s finest research facilities. The leak, harmless to health, came from a storage pool rather than the reactor. But its discovery triggered a media and political firestorm that resulted in the reactor’s shutdown, and even attempts to close the entire laboratory. A quarter century later, the episode reveals the dynamics of today’s controversies in which fears and the dismissal of science disrupt serious discussion and research of vital issues such as vaccines, climate change, and toxic chemicals. This story has all the elements of a thriller, with vivid characters and dramatic twists and turns. Key players include congressmen and scientists; journalists and university presidents; actors, supermodels, and anti-nuclear activists, all interacting and teaming up in surprising ways. The authors, each with insider knowledge of and access to confidential documents and the key players, reveal how a fact of no health significance could be portrayed as a Chernobyl-like disaster. This compelling exposé reveals the gaps between scientists, politicians, media, and the public that have only gotten more dangerous since 1997. Peter Bond is a retired physicist who worked at Brookhaven National Laboratory for 43 years in a wide variety of roles, including interim laboratory director during much of the period covered by this book.

In this compelling middle-grade graphic novel The Leak, Ruth, a young journalist, is determined to uncover a secret that threatens her town. Ruth Keller is brash and precocious; she argues with her dentist, her parents, and her teachers. So, when she discovers a strange black slime in the man-made lake of her suburban neighborhood, she decides to investigate. Fortified by the encouragement of those around her, Ruth seeks the truth at all costs, even if it means taking on the rich local country club owner, who she believes is responsible for the pollution. Between the teasing of former friends, and a sudden viral spotlight, Ruth discovers how difficult it is for a journalist to take a stand for what's right in the face of critique and controversy. From writer Kate Reed Petty and illustrator Andrea Bell, comes a story about corruption, pollution, and freedom of the press, and the young journalist at the center of it all.

Evaluates the effectiveness of pinpointing leaks in plastic pipe using acoustic leak detection equipment commonly used by the water industry in North America and promising technologies from other industries. Emphasizes technology and procedures for listening devices and an acoustic noise correlator. Research partner: National Research Council Canada.

This manual shows readers how to establish guidelines for conducting a water audit and establishing a leak detection program. System-wide instructions are included along with sample worksheets and forms. Guidelines for survey feasibility are presented along with evaluation effectiveness.

Ageing infrastructure and declining water resources are major concerns with a growing global population. Controlling water loss has therefore become a priority for water utilities around the world. In order to improve efficiencies, water utilities need to apply good practices in leak detection. Leak Detection: Technology and Implementation assists water utilities with the development and implementation of leak detection programs. Leak detection and repair is one of the components of controlling water loss. In addition, techniques are discussed within this book and relevant case studies are presented. The book provides useful and practical information on leakage issues.

Pipeline Leak Detection Handbook is a concise, detailed, and inclusive leak detection best practices text and reference book. It begins with the basics of leak detection technologies that include leak detection systems, and information on pipeline leaks, their causes, and subsequent consequences. The book moves on to further explore system infrastructures, performance, human factors, installation, and integrity management, and is a must-have resource to help oil and gas professionals gain a comprehensive understanding of the identification, selection, design, testing, and implantation of a leak detection system. Informs oil and gas pipeline professionals on the basics of leak detection technologies, the required field instrumentation, telecommunication infrastructures, human factors, and risk mitigation considerations Leads the reader through the complex process of understanding the pipeline’s unique environment and how to develop a leak detection program