Using simpler methods for decontamination

December 12, 2013

(decontamination)

Govt. recommends simpler cleaning up methods

http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/news/20131212_29.html

NHK has learned that the Environment Ministry has advised some Fukushima municipalities to adopt simpler methods in cleaning up radioactive materials from residential areas.

The decontamination work is slow in these municipalities.

In a meeting last week, the ministry officials told local officials that they can omit roof cleaning or topsoil removing from their set of cleaning up procedures if they want to speed it up.

In Fukushima Prefecture, the government carries out decontamination in areas with relatively high radiation.

But in other less contaminated areas where people are living, local municipalities are doing the cleaning up.

However, their work is not proceeding as hoped, due to lack of waste sites for contaminated soil and other materials. Residents do not like to have such sites near their homes.

The ministry officials reportedly said the simpler methods would take less time and produce less soil requiring disposal and have been used outside Fukushima Prefecture with relatively low radiation levels.

Some local officials supported the idea, but others pointed out that residents who worry about radiation are unlikely to accept the simpler methods.

Ministry officials say they will try to persuade residents that the simpler methods will be quicker and can help reduce their long-term exposure to radiation.