In response to the recent contaminated water leakage at Japan's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) is taking robust steps to bolster safety measures. 🌟
Local media reports that TEPCO plans to install new piping and ventilation ports designed to channel any escaping liquid back within the building. This proactive approach aims to contain contamination and prevent its spread, ensuring a safer environment for all. 🛠️
The construction is set to begin on Monday, with completion expected by the end of the month, according to national news agency Kyodo. This swift action follows an incident on February 7, when approximately 1.5 tonnes of nuclear-contaminated water leaked due to human error.
TEPCO's plan involves cutting off the existing piping connected to the high-temperature incinerator building where the leak occurred. New vertical pipes will be installed, allowing only gas to escape through the ventilation ports outside the building. 💨
Additionally, water flowing into the pipes will be directed to polyethylene containers inside the building, equipped with covers to prevent scattering. Outside these containers, facilities will be established to collect water, while leaks will be closely monitored using cameras and detectors.
On the same day, TEPCO submitted a request to the Nuclear Regulation Authority for approval of modifications to its decommissioning plan. This includes constructing a dry storage facility to manage spent nuclear fuel, slated to begin within the plant premises during the fiscal year of 2025. 🏗️
Since the catastrophic earthquake and tsunami in March 2011, which led to a level-7 nuclear accident, the Fukushima plant has been grappling with managing radioactive-contaminated water. In August 2023, Japan began discharging treated wastewater into the Pacific Ocean, sparking objections from various groups and raising safety and credibility concerns.
Amid these challenges, TEPCO and the Japanese government continue to work on decommissioning efforts, striving to ensure the safety and well-being of the public and the environment. 🌍🔬
