A contractor fell into a borated water pool at Michigan's Palisades Nuclear Plant, ingesting contaminated water.
On October 21, 2025, a contractor at the Palisades Nuclear Plant in West Michigan fell into a reactor cavity pool during fuel reload operations. The pool contained borated water, which is used for nuclear moderation and control.
According to a report from the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), the contractor also ingested some of the contaminated water.
Holtec International, which owns the plant, reported that the contractor was promptly decontaminated and transported to emergency care for minor injuries. Radiation levels were later detected at 300 counts per minute (cpm) in his hair, six times the background radiation level. The NRC uses this count rate as a benchmark for contamination screening, with 300 cpm indicating potential contamination.
A plant spokesperson stated, “While performing work inside the containment building, a Palisades contractor fell into a pool near the reactor that contained clean, borated water.”
However, this water includes additives and microbial impurities, making it unsuitable for consumption, despite its designation as “clean.” The radiological impurities present can range from negligible to moderate, raising safety concerns.
The incident occurred shortly after the plant received operational status from the NRC in August 2025. Palisades, located near the Lake Michigan shoreline, was closed in May 2022 and purchased by Holtec International in June 2022.
This marks the first commercial reactor to restart after being decommissioned. The plant is one of the country's oldest nuclear reactors, with a history of equipment failures and reliability issues.
Anti-nuclear activists have expressed concerns about the safety protocols at the Palisades plant. They argue that the incident underscores the hasty nature of operations at the facility.
The fact that the incident occurred so recently after the plant's operational status was granted adds to the apprehension surrounding safety measures at the plant.
The fall of a contractor into a borated water pool at the Palisades Nuclear Plant highlights ongoing safety concerns at the facility. While the contractor sustained minor injuries and has reportedly returned to work, the incident raises questions about the adequacy of safety protocols and the readiness of the plant to operate safely.
The NRC's investigation into the incident will be crucial in determining the cause and implementing necessary corrective actions.
