TEPCO May Evaporate Contaminated Fukushima Water

Tainted water from Fukushima nuclear plant storage may be evaporated or stored underground instead of following earlier plans to release it into the ocean

Tokyo Electric Power Co (TEPCO), which is responsible for cleaning up the crippled power plant, planned to release the tritium-laced water into the ocean. However, it suffered a setback following protests by local fishermen who are already struggling with their livelihood following the 2011 earthquake and tsunami that led to the meltdown of three reactors.

Water is used to keep the wrecked reactors cool enough to prevent further radioactive releases, but there is no available technology to remove the tritium.

Chief decommissioning officer Naohiro Masuda, told Reuters he did not know when a final decision about evaporation would be made.

This comes as low-level radiation produced by the tsunami-stricken Fukushima nuclear power plant in Japan has been detected off the coast of Canada.

TEPCO is in a race against time to contain the wrecked nuclear facility. Management of the situation has likewise been marked by mishaps and scandalous revelations that have put a serious dent in the company's reputation.

The plant's operator announced a week ago its plans to disclose all data on radiation levels recorded at the site in response to mounting criticism over its lack of transparency.

In late February, TEPCO admitted to concealing a radioactive leak for 10 months, citing an ongoing investigation.

Source: RT

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• Pollution
• Storage Tank
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