NRA: Current regulations good enough

April 15, 2015

NRA chief defends standards despite court decision

http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/news/20150415_44.html

Apr. 15, 2015 - Updated 13:37 UTC+2

The head of Japan's nuclear power supervisor has hinted he sees no need to review regulatory requirements despite a court's decision to block the restart of 2 reactors.

Nuclear Regulation Authority Chairman Shunichi Tanaka spoke to reporters on Wednesday, the day after the Fukui District Court issued its injunction. The court blocked the restarts of reactors 3 and 4 at the Takahama nuclear plant in Fukui Prefecture, central Japan.

The court found that stricter regulations put in place following meltdowns at the Fukushima Daiichi plant in 2011 are still too lax.

Tanaka said he regretted that the court didn't seem to understand that Japan's standards are recognized internationally as the toughest in the world.

He also said the court's decision contained factual errors about the magnitude of potential earthquakes and the quake-resistance of facilities and equipment.

Tanaka said the requirements require nuclear operators to make provision for a fairly strong earthquake. They must also, he said, take steps to prevent a severe accident even if the tremor is bigger than planned for.

Tanaka indicated that the regulatory commission has no intention to review its requirements.

The NRA chairman added he will renew his efforts to explain to the public why the current requirements are good enough.