TEPCO tries to convince fishermen

August 25, 2014

Fukushima fishermen briefed on new drainage system

Aug. 25, 2014 - Updated 11:49 UTC+2

http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/news/20140825_33.html

The operator of the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant says a new drainage system has successfully removed radioactive substances from the underground water it pumped up. It's Tokyo Electric Power Company's latest strategy in dealing with the buildup of contaminated water at the site.

TEPCO officials explained the results of the test run at a meeting held by the Fukushima prefectural fisheries cooperative union in Fukushima city on Monday.

The operator conducted a trial operation of the new system last week. Workers pumped up radioactive groundwater from wells near the reactor buildings and put it through the drainage system. They then tested the amount of radioactive material left in the water.

TEPCO officials said that with several exceptions, most radioactive substances in the water dropped to an undetectable level. They said the water was found to be cleaner than the groundwater which is being pumped up for release into the sea to keep it from flowing into reactor buildings.

But members of the union opposed the release of water treated through the new system, saying it could lead to negative rumors among concerned consumers.

Participants decided to ask TEPCO to provide more details about the new system.

The head of the local union, Tetsu Nozaki, says the cooperatives want confirmation that releasing the treated water will not contaminate the sea. He said the local fishermen will discuss TEPCO's plan and decide whether or not to accept it.