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Radioactive water problem at Fukushima continues to grow

Growing Toxic Water Problem At Japan Nuclear Plant Worries IAEA http://leadership.ng/news/412242/growing-toxic-water-problem-at-japan-nuclear-plant-worries-iaea

Agency Report— Feb 17, 2015 A team of international experts on Tuesday expressed concern about increasing amounts of radiation-contaminated water at a crippled Japanese nuclear plant.

Juan Lentijo, head of the 15-member International Atomic Energy Agency team, said at the end of its 9-day mission.

Lentijo said over 350 tonnes of toxic water was generated daily in the process of cooling three reactors at the Fukushima plant that suffered meltdowns during the 2011 earthquake and tsunami.

“The situation remains very complex, with the increasing amount of contaminated water posing a short-term challenge at the plant.

“The need to remove highly radioactive spent fuel, including damaged fuel and fuel debris, from the reactors that suffered meltdowns poses a huge long-term challenge,’’ he said.

The team said other challenges include persistent underground water ingress to main buildings, the long-term management of radioactive waste and problems related to the removal of nuclear fuel. “Japan has made significant progress in its efforts to plan and implement the decommissioning of the plant run by Tokyo Electric Power Co.

“The team is expected to issue its final report by the end of March, although the path ahead is long, complex and challenging.

“Japan is progressing step-by-step and plans are taking shape, which is a welcome development,’’ Lentijo said. (dpa/NAN)

February 18, 2015 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | Fukushima 2015