I live near a facility that stores radioactive rods. How far should I stay away from there?

Question

It's at decommissioned nuclear plant. They have a cooling pond that still has access to the ocean. Is this still contaminated?

Answer 1

At least a thousand miles!  Remember the russian spy who had radiatin posioning?

Answer 2

Right next door is probably safe (inside the building with the cooling pond is also going to be safe).

They have enough shielding in the cooling pond to protect you and the pond will not be connected to the ocean (it's a deep swimming pool with no drain holes).

Answer 3

assuming everything was taken care of before the plant shut down, it shouldn't be contaminated at all.

Answer 4

The only way to know is get a Geiger Counter and measure it.

Answer 5

Like everyone else said, the cooling pond should keep it safe, but I would still try to stay as far away as possible..

Answer 6

Yes, the rods are going to be radioactive for a very long time.

The cooling pond is a good thing - it keeps the rods cool, it absorbs the radiation, and it absorbs shocks well.  And no need to worry about the ocean - the cooling pond isn't connected to the ocean for output (and I doubt it'd be connected for water to flow in, either).

I wouldn't go playing there or anything, but you're in a decent spot.