Lack of detailed data and analyses

Utilities slammed for lack of preparation for reactor safety review

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TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan's nuclear regulators slammed two plant operators Tuesday for their lack of detailed data and analyses in a safety review that would allow them to resume operations.

The Nuclear Regulation Authority, which held the first assessment meetings for reactors at the Tokai Daini plant, located some 130 kilometers north of Tokyo, and the Higashidori plant in northeastern Japan, urged the operators to provide more data so it can proceed with the review.

"It just won't do" that plant operators apply for the assessment with "quick-fix" documents to feel out whether their measures are sufficient to pass the review, NRA Commissioner Toyoshi Fuketa told utility officials.

Not one of the 48 commercial nuclear reactors in Japan has passed the NRA's safety assessment, based on new safety standards introduced in the wake of the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident, and they all remain offline, despite 19 safety review applications being made.

Shigeru Inoue, vice president of Tohoku Electric Power Co. -- the operator of the Higashidori plant -- told reporters he believes "the utility is ready" for the screening and the company wants the NRA to confirm the reactor's safety as soon as possible.

The nuclear watchdog, however, is not planning to begin a full-fledged assessment, as the plant has not finished investigating faults under the complex that the NRA says are active.

Regulatory officials also raised questions about fire protection measures Japan Atomic Power Co. plans to implement at the Tokai plant, which started commercial operation in 1978.

The operator said it plans to apply fire-retardant coatings on electric cables at the complex, instead of replacing them with flame-resistant cables. But NRA officials questioned the feasibility of the plan.

June 17, 2014(Mainichi Japan)