Solutions by the end of September...

August 8, 2013

Experts to study ways to reduce contaminated water

http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/news/20130808_35.html

Japan's industry minister has instructed a panel to reduce contaminated water at the damaged nuclear plant in Fukushima.

Industry, Economy and Trade Minister Toshimitsu Motegi told the panel of experts on Thursday to come up with concrete proposals by the end of September.

The move came after recent revelations that tainted water continues to leak into the ocean almost 29 months after the March 11th, 2011 accident.

Tokyo Electric Power Company is struggling to stop the leaks by solidifying an embankment at the plant. But fundamental measures are needed to deal with water flowing from nearby mountains into the plant compound.

At the panel meeting, Motegi called for study on how to pump out groundwater before it gets into the contaminated reactor buildings. He also suggested building an underground wall to prevent contaminated water from reaching the ocean.

Among the approaches he suggested was the possibility of releasing into the sea groundwater that is below the legal limits of contamination.

In May, TEPCO sought support from local fishermen on a plan to flush groundwater into the sea before it reaches the compounds of the reactors. The fishermen opposed it, saying it's hard to tell groundwater and contaminated water apart.