Fukushima Accident Updates (Blog)

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January 19, 2024

Tepco says they will begin the next F. Daiichi wastewater release late in February. The wastewater releases have been scheduled in stages, and nothing has happened to alter the schedule. China and Russia continue their banning of Japanese seafood, falsely calling the releases “scientifically unjustified”. Two additional releases are planned before the end of March. https://japantoday.com/category/national/japan's-tepco-to-start-fourth-release-of-treated-fukushima-water-in-late-feb
South Korea's business leader supports nuke startups. Korea'sRyu Jin of the Federation of Korean Industries said he wants to strengthen support for startups. A joint Japan-Korea statement says, “...it is important to harness the vitality of startups and make them a growth engine for both countries.” https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/business/companies/20240111-161445/
Tepco says that the January 1 quake and tsunami will not change F. Daiichi recovery. Negligible water sloshing and minor transformer oil leaks occurred at the Shika station and reported in the largely antinuclear Press. The head of Tepco's decommissioning unit, Akira Ono, said, “At the moment, we believe there won’t be any change to our plan because of the Noto quake.” He added that the existing F. Daiichi structures would survive even if subjected to a quake 1.5 times greater than the March 2011 temblor. The Nuclear Regulation Authority order for increased vigilance on Shika nuke plant safety is merely a prudent consideration reflecting the F. Daiichi experience, and nothing more. https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15115987
Pictorial of the latest F. Daiichi Unit 2 containment investigation. The images were taken inside the containment penetration after the bore hole in the debris collapsed. Low pressure water was used to remove much of the collapsed material. Though available, high pressure water does not seem to have been used. Careful work will continue on opening the X-6 containment penetration to facilitate the internal investigation. https://www.tepco.co.jp/en/hd/decommission/information/newsrelease/reference/pdf/2024/reference_20240118_01-e.pdf

January 12, 2024

Tepco continues to prepare for corium retrieval at F. Daiichi Unit #2. Corium is the term used for melted and re-solidified fuel mixed with structural materials. Workers have pushed through a portion of the collapsed material blocking the the pipe used for inspections inside the containment structure. The process of preparation is slow and tedious because everything is being done by remote control. Retrieval of the corium is scheduled to begin in March. Tepco plans to use a high pressure water stream to clear the pipe now that it is understood that the some of the debris blocking the pipe is loose and granular. Once the pipe is fully clear, robotic arms can be used to remove the corium bit-by-bit. https://www.tepco.co.jp/en/hd/decommission/information/newsrelease/reference/pdf/2024/reference_20240110_01-e.pdf - https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240110_32/
Last week's severe earthquake in Japan caused a 3-meter tsunami at the Shika nuke. It was measured at the Shika Nuclear Station in Ishikawa Prefecture. The tsunami struck the plant area about 90 minutes after the 7.6 Richter Scale temblor occurred off-shore. The station is protected by a 4-meter high sea wall atop the 11-meter high shoreline. Thus, no damage occurred to the nuke. The tsunami was announced late because the measuring device set in the sea floor stopped working when the quake hit and the water level of a shoreline pool at the nuke station rose 3 meters. https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20240109/p2g/00m/0na/037000c
The quake shook The Shika nuke above safety standards. The level was slightly higher than the estimated maximum. Regardless, no damage occurred due to the quake, according to the Nuclear Regulation Authority, although some oil leaked from transformers at the station. Both units at the site were not operating when the quake occurred. The mu8ch-milder tremors experienced at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa station in neighboring Niigata Prefecture were well-below safety standards. Some radiation monitors near the Shika Station did not transmit post-quake rad levels, which the NRA said is a “huge problem”. The NRA also said that safety standards for Shika may have to be revised because of the quake, but that it could take years of research to make a final decision. https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15107348 - https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20240111/p2g/00m/0na/014000c - https://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2024011100234

January 5, 2024

A major earthquake occurred in Japan on Monday. Several nukes were in the region struck by the temblor. However no damage occurred at any of them. Elsewhere, at least four dozen people were killed by flattened homes and other damaged infrastructure. A search for other victims is on-going. As of Friday, the total deaths rose to 94., with more than 200 people still unaccounted for. The greatest loss of life seems to have happened in the city of Wajima, with 55 dead. The Mayor of Wajima said some 100 people were believed to remain trapped under rubble. In addition, over 30,000 had fled to evacuation centers. The magnitude 7.6 quake was centered under the Sea of Japan off Ishikawa Prefecture at about 4:10 pm. The nukes that were shaken were at Shika, Oi, Mihama, and Takahama stations in Ishikawa Prefecture, and Kashiwazaki-Kariwa in Niigata Prefecture. The water levels at these shoreline units rose as much as three meters. The temblor caused a 4 meter high tsunami wall at Shika station was tilted a few centimeters. Though there was no damage to any of the nuke units proper, a few of the pipes housing cables to supply emergency power sustained some damage and some non-critical oil leaks were reported. Water in some of the K-K fuel storage pools sloshed and spilled, which has cast doubts about possible restarts at Kashiwazaki-Kariwa station. One spokesperson said, “...Public sentiment – and potentially government policy – is likely to be sensitive to any new power-plant disruptions caused by the most recent quake or any future ones.” One of the pools was said to have lost 10 liters of liquid. Other pools exhibited considerably less spillage. https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240101_155/ - https://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2024010500952 - https://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-asia-67856144#:~:text=At%20least%20six%20people%20have%20now%20known%20to,island%2C%20which%20was%20the%20epicentre%20of%20Monday%27s%20earthquak e - https://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2024010500952 - https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/society/noto-peninsula-earthquake/20240101-159099/ - https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240103_12/ - https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15102973 - https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/society/noto-peninsula-earthquake/20240101-159141/

December 29, 2023

Japan and China plan “expert” talks about F. Daiichi wastewater. These discussions will occur early next year. There is no guarantee of agreement or China lifting its blanket ban on Japanese seafood. The International Atomic Energy Agency already has a framework in place to monitor wastewater releases, but China doesn't trust the IAEA. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said, “comprehensive, effective and independent long-term monitoring mechanism by all stakeholders”. (As if the IAEA isn't independent.) https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15097958
A Tokyo High Court says only Tepco is culpable for the 2011 nuke accident. The court ordered Tepco to pay $165,000 in damages to 44 plaintiffs. Judge Hiro Misumi said the flooding of the plant because the tsunami wasn't preventable even if the industry ministry used its authority and ordered the utility to enhance a seawall based on a tsunami estimate at that time. Plaintiff attorney Nakagawa said the court's decision was merely a cut and paste from earlier findings One evacuee complained that the decision trivializes the suffering of the evacuees. https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20231227/p2g/00m/0na/003000c

December 22, 2023

Is financial relief for Tepco in the offing? Japan's Nuclear Regulation Authority has lifted its ban in Kashiwazaki-Kariwa operations, which makes restarting units # 6 and #7 possible. The ban was put in place in 2021 for alleged improper operations with a worker using someone else's ID card to gain access to a control room. Now, local approval will be needed before restart can actually occur. Tepco's questionable financial issues would be eased if the two units resume operation. Tepco's president said, "As the company that caused the accident at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant, it's not an easy task to win trust."https://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2023122000652 - https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20231221/p2a/00m/0op/023000c
Kagoshima's governor approves of licensing extensions for 2 nukes. On Thursday, Governor Koichi Shiota agreed that Sendai units #1 & #2 can operate for an additional 20 years beyond its original 40 years. He said the decision resulted from “comprehensive judgment”. The NRA approved the extension last month. https://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng

December 15, 2023

A Fukushima worker might have been contaminated. During a routine post-working scan, he was found to be facially contaminated. He was wearing a full face mask while doing his job. He was decontaminating fences near unit #2. He was immediately decontaminated by washing his face. How he was contaminated under his mask is not immediately known. https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20231211/p2g/00m/0na/045000c
Using more nuclear energy will reduce atmospheric greenhouse emissions. This is the conclusion of a global study agreement at COP28. This is the first time nuclear energy has been touted as part of the solution at a COP meeting., World Nuclear Association Director General, Dr Sama Bilbao y León said, “This marks a 180degree turn around treatment of nuclear energy in the COP process. It is now time to deliver rapid acceleration in global nuclear capacity needed to achieve net zero.”<.P [email protected] – December 13, 2023>
Fukushima accident compensation reaches new heights. Another $14 million will be added to the already copious pay-out to the public. This reflects the December 2022 revised criteria plus damages to the fishing industry due to rumors and and Chinese ban on Japanese seafood. https://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2023121500698

December 8, 2023

The NRA says Tepco has improved anti-terror measures at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuke station. The secretariat of the Nuclear Regulation Authority made this statement in a draft report on Tepco's corrective measures at the K-K station. Start-up and operation of any K-K unit is currently forbidden due to a series of flaws found in anti-terrorism measures. The improvements were made by the company independent of the regulatory body. Tepco officials will meet with the NRA on Wednesday to begin discussions on possibly lifting the ban. K-K houses seven nukes, but only four are designated to eventually start. Two (#6 & #7) are 1,315 Megawatt Advanced Pressurized Water Reactor system (APWR) units and the other two (#1 & #5) are conventional 1,067 MW PWRs. Tepco needs the income from the K-K units operating, so this is very good news for the company. https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231204_18/

November 17, 2023

Pacific Islands Forum is concerned about the F. Daiichi wastewater releases. Cook Islands PM Mark Brown says “strong concerns” have been raised by “our forum leaders for the significance of potential threats of contamination to the health and security of the blue Pacific." Most have acknowledged the findings of the IAEA, but a few, like the Solomon Islands PM, have denounced the releases, largely because of close diplomatic ties with China. The Pacific Islands Forum consists of Australia, the Cook Islands, Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, the Marshall Islands, Nauru, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, the Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.https://japantoday.com/category/national/Pacific-island-nations-express-concern-over-Japan's-tainted-water-release
(Late entry) Removal of F. Daiichi corium will be more difficult than wastewater releases. Corium is the resolidified mixture of nuke fuel and surrounding materials from the meltdowns. Tepco spokesperson Kenichi Takahara says, “Removal of the melted fuel debris is not like we can just take it out and be finished.” He said the scarcity of information from inside the containments makes planning and development of robotic technology for the removal extremely difficult. https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14991260

November 10, 2023

The last evacuation order for a Fukushima special reconstruction zone is lifted. This is the last such zone created by Tokyo after the 2011 accident. It is in Tomioka Town and includes a cemetery, community center, and some public roads. The formal removal is scheduled for November 30. The reason is that radiation level have fallen to acceptable levels. Unfortunately, two town districts remain in the “difficult to return” category. https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231106_21/
The possibility of filling and solidification for F. Daiichi is resurrected. This method is being added to the partial and full submersion options, already on the table. The two options seem superior because it will stabilize damaged materials, fix radioactive dust in place and provide additional shielding. However, it will probably increase to total volume of waste to be removed. Regardless, the study will look at all possible methods without prejudice. Each method has both advantages and disadvantage relative to the other options. Head of the investigation Yamana Hajimu said, “A still better method might yet be considered, or some combination of the three.” https://www.jaif.or.jp/en/news/6775
The ICRP (International Commission on Radiation Protection) visits F. Daiichi. (Photos only) https://photo.tepco.co.jp/en/date/2023-e/202311-e/231109-01e.html

November 3, 2023

Japan began the third release of F. Daiichi waste water on Thursday. As with the first two release series', 460 tones of essentially harmless liquid is pumped into the Pacific Ocean daily. This will continue for two weeks. As usual, the release is being opposed by China, Russi9a, and local fisheries. Chinese spokesman Wang Wenbin once again exaggerated by calling the wastewater “nuclear contaminated”, and overstated that Japan is “blatantly and irresponsibly spreading the risk of contamination worldwide." Leading F. Daiichi news critic, Mari Yamaguchi, maintains the spraying of several F. Daiichi workers with mildly contaminated flushing water was drenching them with radioactive waste. As always, the Associated Press report drips with radiophobic appeals. https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231102_16/ - https://www.tepco.co.jp/en/hd/decommission/information/newsrelease/reference/pdf/2023/reference_20231102_01-e.pdf - https://www.dailysentinel.com/anpa/international/fukushima-daiichi-nuclear-plant-starts-3rd-release-of-treated-radioactive-wastewater-into-the-sea/article_d6ff764c-48c1-50cf-8bfa-537b981ac253.html
Japanese consumers are eating more local fish since China's ban. One fish industry executive said, “After China's ban on Japanese seafood, we are seeing more customers buying not only Fukushima fish but also Japanese seafood in general to support the industry." In addition, auction prices for seafood have been steady, if not higher. https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15047835
Two more Japanese nukes are given 20 year licensing extensions. On Wednesday, the Nuclear Regulation Authority granted extensions to the No.1 and 2 reactors at the Sendai nuclear power Station in Kagoshima Prefecture. This means they can operate thru 2065. The NRA approval was unanimous. https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231101_21/
A successful 3-day nuclear evacuation drill was held for the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant. Local dissidents complained the drill did not account for heavy snowfall or delays caused by radiation surveys of automobiles. One parti9cipant decried, I think this kind of drill is useless,” because an actual emergency would result in panic. https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15042691

October 27, 2023

October 27, 2023 -

Criticism of Japan wastewater releases lessens in China. China's shunning of Japanese seafood has hurt both nation's, and perhaps China the most. A Japanese executive in China said, "It's China that takes a bigger hit from this issue." While Chinese seafood imports from Japan have essentially stopped, the drop in domestic Chinese seafood demand may have dropped the market even more. https://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2023102500882
The IAEA conducts its first F. Daiichi wastewater survey. International Atomic Energy Agency senior official Lydie Evrard said IAEA oversight will continue for the duration of the releases. The team will inspect the plant, observe how the treated and diluted water is released and confirm the results of the study. Evrard said “ The first releases went well. No issues were observed”. https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231024_13/ - https://japantoday.com/category/national/iaea-officials-say-fukushima's-ongoing-discharge-of-treated-radioactive-wastewater-is-going-well https://photo.tepco.co.jp/en/date/2023-e/202310-e/231020-02e.html
Japan begins its third wastewater release. https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231026_30/
Antinuclear ex-Prime Minister Naoto Kan will not run for office again. He was prime Minister during the nuke accident and his meddling only made matters worse. After he was deposed, he became a vocal opponent of nuclear power. https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231022_08/ - https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15035503
Four workers were contaminated at F. Daiichi. The Japanese Press made it sound life threatening. But, the descriptions of what happened seem like typical radiophobic overreaction by the press. The men were cleaning a pipe on the ALPS (Advanced Liquid Processing System) wastewater filtration system and were sprayed with about a half cup of the liquid (~100 milliliters) each. Per on-site scan, two were contaminated enough to be taken to Fukushima Medical University Hospital for decontamination and observation. None were actually hospitalized, in contradiction to what most Press outlets said was the case. Only one actually registered above the limit of 5 msv. Two were not found to be contaminated once they removed their work clothing and rinsed off. One was wearing waterproof protective gear. All four were wearing full face masks. The workers sustained no visible harm and all said they had no feeling of ill health. One worker in the 5-person team was not involved. https://japantoday.com/category/national/2-workers-at-fukushima-plant-hospitalized-after-accidentally-getting-sprayed-with-radioactive-waste - https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/10/b701201b284b-2-hospitalized-after-radioactive-liquid-exposure-at-fukushima-plant.html - https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15039078 - https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231027_25/

October 20, 2023

Russia joins China in suspending Japanese seafood imports. The suspension will last until Russian authorities are satisfied that “necessary information on the safety of Japanese seafood is provided to and analyzed by Russian authorities”. The reason is the same as China's … The releases of treated and diluted wastewater from the plant site. The action has been announced by The Russian Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance. Japan was exporting about 190 tons of seafood annually. China imported 156,000 tone annually before the radiophobic ban. https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231016_22/ - https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/10/24d55cdf2ccd-urgent-russia-to-restrict-japan-seafood-imports-amid-fukushima-water-release.html - https://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2023101600805
The IAEA collects its first F. Daiichi wastewater and seafood samples for analysis. The International Atomic Energy team includes experts from China, South Korea, and Canada. The seafood includes flounder, horse mackerel and puffer fish. Results will be published by the IAEA. An IAEA official said, “I can say that we don’t expect to see any change starting in the fish.” A Japanese official said, “We want to boost the transparency of the monitoring process by having third parties analyze and assess samples.” A Chinese official says he IAEA alone “falls short of an international monitoring arrangement with the full and substantive participation of all stakeholders that will stay effective for the long haul.” https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/society/general-news/20231019-144290/ - https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/society/general-news/20231019-144290/ - https://apnews.com/article/japan-fukushima-nuclear-treated-wastewater-iaea-fish-8fbaed120af32207177336d215b7ccf7

October 13, 2023

An IAEA team will test Fukushima second-round wastewater releases. This time, the group will include experts from China and Canada, as well as from China, Samples will be compared to those from the first round of releases. China claims Japan “has not offered a scientifically credible explanation for its actions.” Third party testing has been done since 3035, but this is the first time China has been past of it. Regardless, China continues its negatively abuse the IAEA plan. Chines official Wang Wenbin says the plan will be carried out by the IAEA under an arrangement with Japan, and thusly fall short of an international monitoring agreement. https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231011_18/ - https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15027071
Photos of the IAEA team in action can be found here... https://photo.tepco.co.jp/en/date/2023-e/202310-e/231012-02e.html
Tepco has begun compensation action for Japanese fisheries. The give-out will cover diminished income due to China's baseless fear inflammation over the wastewater releases of August 24 through September 11. Actual compensation began October 2. Estimates for that pay-out runs in the billions of yen. One Fishery spokesperson says “We have been losing about 10 million in sales each week, which is a big blow to our business. We plan to seek compensation for our loss.” Seafood sales in China are down. One salesperson said, “More and more people are avoiding fish and shellfish. Business has been slow even though this is supposed to be one of the busiest seasons for us.” Even Japanese cosmetics sales are taking a major hit. https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/society/general-news/20231008-141856/
Nearly half of the Chinese people in Japan are worried about the wastewater releases. 25% are “worried” and 22% are “very worried”. Only 8% are “not worried at all”, and nearly 19% are “not very worried”. However, their outward reaction seems to be that of calm. Meanwhile, 92% of Japanese have an unfavorable opinion of China, worsening from 87% last year. https://japantoday.com/category/national/about-half-of-chinese-worried-about-fukushima-water-release-poll
The Fukui governor supports operating nukes beyond 40 years. Governor Tatsuji Sugimoto also approved local used fuel storage until a more permanent site can be approved by 2030. The used bundles will be stored on-site at the nuke plants. Some Fukui Prefectural officials don't like it. One called it a “pie in the sky” plan, while another said the temporary storage could well become de-facto permanent. https://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2023101301149 - https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15028320

October 8, 2023

Tepco begins the second round of wastewater releases. They began on Thursday, October 7, at 10:18 am, Japan time. The ratio of dilution is one ton of treated wastewater stripped of nearly all radionuclides, except essentially harmless Tritium. The Tritium concentration was found to be between 63 and 87 Becquerels per liter. Tepco's self-imposed limit for discharge is 1,500 Becquerels per liter. Japan's standard limit is 60,000 Bq/l. No unusual levels of Tritium, or any other redionuclide, have been found in the seafood taken from near the damaged plant site. Regardless, China continues its ridiculous ban on Japanese seafood. https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231005_16/ - https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/10/e25aaa51a481-japan-begins-2nd-round-of-fukushima-treated-water-discharge.html#google_vignette (Nearly all Japanese news outlets carried the story, but these two seem to best cover the range of reporting.)
The IAEA says Tritium is way below the limit for 2^nd discharge.The International Atomic Energy Agency said its independent on-site analysis confirmed that Tritium in the waste water was far below the limit of 1,500 becquerels per liter.https://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2023100600308
Another IAEA task force will review the wastewater release. It will take place October 24-27, with representatives from Argentina, Australia, Britain, Canada, China, France, South Korea, the Marshall Islands, Russia, the United States, and Vietnam. The mission will look at the releases "from an independent standpoint." It is hoped the visit will promote better international understanding. https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/10/25f83a15d8aa-iaea-team-to-visit-japan-late-oct-to-review-fukushima-water-release.html
Japanese anti-nukes call for a nuke restart referendum. A petition for the referendum was submitted to the governor of Kagoshima Prefecture on Monday, October 4. It was signed by more than 46,000 people. The Secretary General of the submitting group said, “This request expresses the will of the people, as the number of signatures far exceeds the required minimum. Now, the conscience of the governor and the assembly will be called into question.” Governor Koichi Shiota said, “I will follow the procedures in an appropriate manner. I will state my position when I submit a draft ordinance.” None of the operating plants in the prefecture have reached the age of 40, but two will by the end of 2025. https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15021894

September 29, 2023

Tepco will start the second round of wastewater releases next week. The schedule is for the process to begin October 5. After closely examining what happened with the first round, no problems were found. Once again, about 7,800 tons will be released. Above-limit levels of tritium have not been detected by TEPCO or the Environment Ministry. Scallop exports were hurt the most. Japan's overall food exports to China slipped 43 pct.https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230928_24/ - https://english.kyodonews.net/ - https://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2023092801129
Japan's seafood exports to China are down 70-75%. China's ban has not stopped imports from Japan, but have severely reduced them. To assuage reduced fishery's income, about $140 will be allocated by Tokyo in addition to the $535 million already planned. https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230928_19/ -
Russia considers Japanese seafood restrictions in support of China. Up to now, Russia has taken a low-key approach to the issue, but recent contact between Beijing and Moscow seems show otherwise. Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno said, “We are strongly calling on Russia to make its decision based on scientific evidence. We received the IAEA review in which experts from Russia also participated.”https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/politics/politics-government/20230928-139537/ - https://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2023092701041
North Korea joins in the criticism of Japan's wastewater discharge. Ambassador Kim Song addressed the UN on Wednesday saying the discharges are “ nuclear contaminated” and will cause “irrevocable damage to the safety of humanity and marine ecological environment." Coincidentally, he said N. Korea is “urgently required” to accelerate its nuclear weapons build-up “to defend itself impregnably”. https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/09/06801c579f33-n-korea-slams-japan-over-water-discharge-from-fukushima-plant.html

September 22, 2023

Tritium level in ocean from F. Daiichi remains undetectable. Actually, it has been such ever since wastewater releases began. The latest weekly survey lasted for three days, ending September 11. Water was tested at eleven points from at the release point to as far as 40 kilometers away. The minimum detectable concentration is 10 Becquerels per liter. Weekly sampling will continue for the duration of this year's releases. https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230921_23/
China continues to protest the releases. Its Foreign Ministry says the releases are, “selfish and irresponsible. The ocean sustains humanity. It is not a sewer for Japan’s nuclear-contaminated water.” https://www.dcreport.org/2023/08/26/dumping-japans-nuclear-waste/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw06-oBhC6ARIsAGuzdw1-Jd2OncAbdv5_Ym7xsJP-_iIjB1nHRZqGwivZIGPT2q2mGWSU0G0aAkRrEALw_wcB

September 15, 2023

F. Daiichi Unit #1 can survive a major earthquake. This is the conclusion reached after the most recent investigation by Tepco. The inquiry was required by the Nuclear Regulation Authority after the most recent video evidence of the reactor pedestal. The exposed rebar was studied and found to be sufficient for a quake measuring 900 gals. The investigation is ongoing... https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230911_31/
Tepco has finished the first round of wastewater releases from F. Daiichi. There will be at least three more releases this fiscal year. Tepco plans to release another 7,800 tons later this month. https://japantoday.com/category/national/1st-round-of-treated-water-release-off-fukushima-plant-completed
The long-awaited restart of Takahama No.2 is in progress. Initial control rod withdrawal began at around 3pm today. Power generation should resume by this coming Wednesday. Official commercial operation should follow thereafter. It has been shuttered for about 11 years. https://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2023091500856

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