How to speed up decontamination in Fukushima

December 29, 2013

Workers given OK for overnight stay in Fukushima

http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/news/20131230_01.html

Japan's central government has decided that under certain conditions workers will be allowed to stay overnight in some of Fukushima's off-limit areas.

The purpose is to speed up the decontamination process nearly three years since the March 2011 nuclear accident.

The decision applies to areas where residents are currently permitted visit their homes only during the daytime.

The conditions attached to over-night stays stipulate that workers be involved in projects deemed especially indispensable for restoration and revival, and that radiation levels are 20 milli-sieverts or less per year.

Businesses and local governments had requested that workers to be allowed to stay in affected areas because of road congestion caused by decontamination projects and the rebuilding of infrastructure.

The central government notified local authorities of the decision. It says that allowing workers to stay overnight is an exceptional measure.

Municipalities will confirm which projects fulfill the conditions and must then file requests with the central government's nuclear taskforce. A request from Iidate Village has already been approved.

Businesses involved will be in charge of monitoring the radiation exposure levels of their workers who stay in such areas.

Makoto Akashi is the Director of the National Institute of Radiological Sciences. He points out that stricter monitoring of radiation exposure levels will be needed for each worker, including their off-work hours.