New rules for monitoring radiation

February 1, 2014

NRA sets up new rules on evacuation

http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/news/20140202_02.html

Japanese nuclear regulators have introduced new rules for monitoring radiation in the event of a nuclear accident to decide whether to evacuate people.

After the Fukushima Daiichi accident in 2011, officials at the Nuclear Regulation Authority decided to introduce a new plan of disaster management around plants. They said they would collect monitored data on radiation levels within 30 kilometers before deciding whether to issue an evacuation order. They also said they would evacuate all residents up to 5 kilometers unconditionally.

The latest rules specify what local officials are expected to do for the plan.

The regulators are now asking local governments to choose at least one location in each community to measure radiation levels and the density of radioactive substances.

They also require municipalities to install emergency power generators at their regular monitoring places. Monitoring posts around Fukushima Daiichi did not work due to a power failure.

The government will set up an emergency monitoring center in accident areas to compile data and make decisions about evacuations.

But experts say the number of monitoring posts currently in place is insufficient. They also say it is not clear how the authority will find people to monitor radiation levels in areas without the posts.