Experts and local officials to monitor leaks

August 6, 2013

Prefectural monitors inspect water leak site

http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/news/20130806_40.html

Experts and local government officials have inspected the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant compound to assess the risk of contaminated groundwater leaking into the sea.

They are members of the Fukushima prefectural government's council to monitor the process of decommissioning the plant by its operator, Tokyo Electric Power Company.

On Tuesday, they inspected an underground tunnel believed to be filled with highly radioactive wastewater.

They also checked how embankments are being reinforced between one of the reactors and the sea to prevent groundwater from reaching the ocean.

But the reinforcement work has led to a rise in the groundwater level. This is further escalating the risk of contaminated water overflowing into the sea.

After the inspection, many council members voiced frustration with Tokyo Electric's approach of dealing with problems as they occur instead of taking preventive measures.

Plant chief Akira Ono promised to quickly implement whatever steps are possible, and to see things from the perspective of the general public rather than the utility's.