#radioactivewater — Public Fediverse posts

A total of about 54,600 metric tons of treated water containing tritium, a radioactive substance, were discharged from the company's crippled Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/03/25/japan/tepco-completes-2025-water-release/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #fukushimano1 #tepco #radioactivewater

A total of about 54,600 metric tons of treated water containing tritium, a radioactive substance, were discharged from the company's crippled Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/03/25/japan/tepco-completes-2025-water-release/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #fukushimano1 #tepco #radioactivewater

The Japan Atomic Energy Agency has said that about 20 milliliters of water containing radioactive tritium has leaked at its Fugen advanced converter reactor in Fukui Prefecture. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/12/24/japan/water-containing-tritium-leak-fukui/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #fukui #radioactivewater #fugen #tsuruga

The Japan Atomic Energy Agency has said that about 20 milliliters of water containing radioactive tritium has leaked at its Fugen advanced converter reactor in Fukui Prefecture. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/12/24/japan/water-containing-tritium-leak-fukui/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #fukui #radioactivewater #fugen #tsuruga

China reimposed a ban on Japanese seafood imports Wednesday, reports said, as the diplomatic row over Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's recent comments on Taiwan escalated and officials girded for a prolonged dispute. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/11/19/japan/politics/japan-china-relations-marine-products/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #politics #china #chinajapanrelations #sanaetakaichi #taiwan #trade #radioactivewater #fukushimano1

China reimposed a ban on Japanese seafood imports Wednesday, reports said, as the diplomatic row over Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's recent comments on Taiwan escalated and officials girded for a prolonged dispute. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/11/19/japan/politics/japan-china-relations-marine-products/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #politics #china #chinajapanrelations #sanaetakaichi #taiwan #trade #radioactivewater #fukushimano1

https://www.alojapan.com/1415200/china-to-reimpose-ban-on-japanese-seafood-imports-amid-row-over-taiwan-reports-say/ China to reimpose ban on Japanese seafood imports amid row over Taiwan, reports say #China #ChinaJapanRelations #FukushimaNo.1 #Japan #JapanNews #Japanese #JapaneseNews #news #RadioactiveWater #SanaeTakaichi #Taiwan #trade China will reimpose a ban on imports of Japanese seafood products, media reports said Wednesday, as the diplomatic row over Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s recent comments on Taiwan escalated and officials girded for a prol

But keep dumping partially treated #RadioactiveWater into the oceans, eh #TEPCO / #Japan?!!

Walmart recalls frozen shrimp over potential radioactive contamination
Clouds pass over the Walmart store, Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025, in Manchester, N.H. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

By JONEL ALECCIA, August 19, 2025

Excerpt: "The FDA is investigating reports of Cesium-137 contamination in shipping containers and products processed by P.T. Bahari Makmur Sejati, doing business as BMS Foods of Indonesia. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials alerted FDA that they found Cesium-137 in shipping containers sent to U.S. ports in Los Angeles, Houston, Miami and Savannah, Georgia. "

https://apnews.com/article/walmart-frozen-shrimp-radioactive-cesium137-e001de4193ad435bfa8f3c126b8cb3b2

#OceansAreLife #WaterIsLife #NoFukushimaDumping #RethinkNotRestart #TEPCOLied #FukushimaIsntOver #RenewablesNow #NoNukes

But keep dumping partially treated #RadioactiveWater into the oceans, eh #TEPCO / #Japan?!!

Walmart recalls frozen shrimp over potential radioactive contamination
Clouds pass over the Walmart store, Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025, in Manchester, N.H. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

By JONEL ALECCIA, August 19, 2025

Excerpt: "The FDA is investigating reports of Cesium-137 contamination in shipping containers and products processed by P.T. Bahari Makmur Sejati, doing business as BMS Foods of Indonesia. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials alerted FDA that they found Cesium-137 in shipping containers sent to U.S. ports in Los Angeles, Houston, Miami and Savannah, Georgia. "

https://apnews.com/article/walmart-frozen-shrimp-radioactive-cesium137-e001de4193ad435bfa8f3c126b8cb3b2

#OceansAreLife #WaterIsLife #NoFukushimaDumping #RethinkNotRestart #TEPCOLied #FukushimaIsntOver #RenewablesNow #NoNukes

Typical #NukeShill comment - "[UK #MinistryOfDefense] published data on #radioactive discharges from #Coulport and #Faslane every year, along with assessments of the #environmental impacts. It insisted those discharges were 'of no regulatory concern'.

That's because these ASSHATS are in denial about #Bioaccumulation! #BananaMan got to them!

#RadioactiveWater from #UK #nuclear bomb base leaked into sea, files show

Exclusive: #Polluted water was released into #LochLong near #Glasgow because #RoyalNavy failed to maintain 1,500 water pipes, says watchdog

by Rob Edwards and Severin Carrell
Sat 9 Aug 2025

Read more:
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/aug/09/radioactive-water-bomb-base-scotland-leak-sea-files

#NoNukes #NoWar #NoNuclearWar #NuclearWasteIsForever #BioaccumulationIsReal #FoodChain #NuclearFoodChain #Scotland #NuclearPollution #WaterIsLife

Typical #NukeShill comment - "[UK #MinistryOfDefense] published data on #radioactive discharges from #Coulport and #Faslane every year, along with assessments of the #environmental impacts. It insisted those discharges were 'of no regulatory concern'.

That's because these ASSHATS are in denial about #Bioaccumulation! #BananaMan got to them!

#RadioactiveWater from #UK #nuclear bomb base leaked into sea, files show

Exclusive: #Polluted water was released into #LochLong near #Glasgow because #RoyalNavy failed to maintain 1,500 water pipes, says watchdog

by Rob Edwards and Severin Carrell
Sat 9 Aug 2025

Read more:
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/aug/09/radioactive-water-bomb-base-scotland-leak-sea-files

#NoNukes #NoWar #NoNuclearWar #NuclearWasteIsForever #BioaccumulationIsReal #FoodChain #NuclearFoodChain #Scotland #NuclearPollution #WaterIsLife

Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings said Sunday that it has completed the second round of its fiscal 2025 release of treated water into the ocean from the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/08/03/japan/tepco-2nd-round-treated-water-release/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #tepco #fukushimano1 #radioactivewater #nuclearenergy #fukushima

Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings said Sunday that it has completed the second round of its fiscal 2025 release of treated water into the ocean from the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/08/03/japan/tepco-2nd-round-treated-water-release/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #tepco #fukushimano1 #radioactivewater #nuclearenergy #fukushima

China has agreed to lift a ban on imports of Japanese seafood, which it imposed in response to the release of treated wastewater from the crippled Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant into the ocean. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2025/05/30/economy/china-seafood-ban-lifted/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #business #economy #fukushimano1 #radioactivewater #tepco #china #chinajapanrelations #fishing #311 #trade

China has agreed to lift a ban on imports of Japanese seafood, which it imposed in response to the release of treated wastewater from the crippled Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant into the ocean. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2025/05/30/economy/china-seafood-ban-lifted/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #business #economy #fukushimano1 #radioactivewater #tepco #china #chinajapanrelations #fishing #311 #trade

Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings says it has completed the first round of the fiscal 2025 ocean discharge of treated water from its stricken Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/04/28/japan/fukushima-water-release-2025-first-round/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #fukushimano1 #radioactivewater #tepco

Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings says it has completed the first round of the fiscal 2025 ocean discharge of treated water from its stricken Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/04/28/japan/fukushima-water-release-2025-first-round/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #fukushimano1 #radioactivewater #tepco

Tokyo Electric Power Company said it has completed the ocean discharge of treated water containing radioactive tritium from its stricken Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant for fiscal 2024, which ended Monday. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/03/31/japan/tepco-water-discharge/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #tepco #fukushimano1 #radioactivewater

Tokyo Electric Power Company said it has completed the ocean discharge of treated water containing radioactive tritium from its stricken Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant for fiscal 2024, which ended Monday. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/03/31/japan/tepco-water-discharge/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #tepco #fukushimano1 #radioactivewater

https://www.alojapan.com/1224070/iaea-chief-to-visit-japan-nuclear-power-plants-this-month/ IAEA chief to visit Japan nuclear power plants this month #FukushimaNo.1 #IAEA #NuclearEnergy #RadioactiveWater #VisitJapan Rafael Grossi, director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, will visit nuclear power plants in Japan from Feb. 18 to 20, Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya said Tuesday. Grossi will visit Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings’ Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant and an interim storage facility for soil from ra…

Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya and International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi agreed on Tuesday to strengthen cooperation on the decommissioning and dismantling of the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear plant. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/02/19/japan/foreign-minister-iaea-head-talks/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #nuclearenergy #fukushimano1 #tepco #kashiwazakikariwa #radioactivewater

Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya and International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi agreed on Tuesday to strengthen cooperation on the decommissioning and dismantling of the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear plant. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/02/19/japan/foreign-minister-iaea-head-talks/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #nuclearenergy #fukushimano1 #tepco #kashiwazakikariwa #radioactivewater

The U.N. nuclear watchdog chief began a three-day visit to Japan on Tuesday for a trip that will include his first visit to storage facilities for soil contaminated in the 2011 Fukushima disaster. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/02/18/japan/iaea-chief-visit-to-fukushima/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #fukushimano1 #iaea #rafaelgrossi #radioactivewater

The U.N. nuclear watchdog chief began a three-day visit to Japan on Tuesday for a trip that will include his first visit to storage facilities for soil contaminated in the 2011 Fukushima disaster. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/02/18/japan/iaea-chief-visit-to-fukushima/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #fukushimano1 #iaea #rafaelgrossi #radioactivewater

Workers at Japan's crippled Fukushima No. 1 nuclear plant have started dismantling water storage tanks to free up space for tons of nuclear debris, 14 years after the facility was hit by a devastating tsunami. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/02/15/japan/tepco-nuclear-debris-focus/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #fukushima #fukushimano1 #nuclearenergy #radiation #radioactivewater #tepco

Workers at Japan's crippled Fukushima No. 1 nuclear plant have started dismantling water storage tanks to free up space for tons of nuclear debris, 14 years after the facility was hit by a devastating tsunami. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/02/15/japan/tepco-nuclear-debris-focus/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #fukushima #fukushimano1 #nuclearenergy #radiation #radioactivewater #tepco

The Japan External Trade Organization will start full-scale support for exports of Japanese yellowtail to the United States, with China's blanket ban on Japanese fishery products still in place. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2025/02/09/economy/japan-yellowtail-exports-us/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #business #economy #jetro #trade #fish #usjapanrelations #chinajapanrelations #fukushimano1 #radioactivewater #yellowtail

The Japan External Trade Organization will start full-scale support for exports of Japanese yellowtail to the United States, with China's blanket ban on Japanese fishery products still in place. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2025/02/09/economy/japan-yellowtail-exports-us/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #business #economy #jetro #trade #fish #usjapanrelations #chinajapanrelations #fukushimano1 #radioactivewater #yellowtail

Rafael Grossi, director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, will visit nuclear power plants in Japan later this month. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/02/05/japan/iaea-chief-fukushima-plant/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #fukushimano1 #nuclearenergy #radioactivewater #iaea

Rafael Grossi, director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, will visit nuclear power plants in Japan later this month. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/02/05/japan/iaea-chief-fukushima-plant/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #fukushimano1 #nuclearenergy #radioactivewater #iaea

Risky Revival: How #Michigan’s #Palisades #NuclearPlant could impact agriculture

While state leaders champion the Palisades reopening as an energy solution, local farmers remain divided over the potential threats to their land and water.

by S. Nicole Lane, for Investigate Midwest December 10, 2024

COVERT, Michigan — "The Palisades Nuclear Generating Station, long synonymous with safety lapses and regulatory oversight, is poised for an unprecedented comeback under Michigan Gov. #GretchenWhitmer’s plan to reopen the shuttered plant by 2025 — the first attempt of its kind in U.S. history.

"However, in this robust agricultural region, there are fears about how reopening a problematic plant could impact area farmers and the food they produce.

"Approximately 6,362 farms are within 50 miles of Palisades. In Van Buren County alone, where the plant is located, there are 838 farms. Michigan’s southwestern corner, home to 80% of the state’s farms, is often called the 'blueberry capital of the world.'

"'A leak (and) this 150-year-old farm is done,' said Bill Adams, who runs Adams Blueberry Farms in Hartford, Michigan, 16 miles south of the plant. 'Why would they restart something that old and sitting this long?'

"Opened in 1971, Palisades, which is located along #LakeMichigan, once generated 5% of Michigan’s electricity, enough to power 800,000 homes. But a litany of mechanical issues plagued its operations for decades.

"In 2013, the plant leaked 79 gallons of diluted #RadioactiveWater into Lake Michigan, forcing a five-week shutdown — its ninth closure in just two years.

"Federal regulators repeatedly flagged the plant for safety concerns, from undetected #RadiationExposure among employees in 2008 to persistent cracks in its 300,000-gallon storage tank that leaked for over a decade. In 2012, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) described Palisades as having some of the worst cases of nuclear fuel container weakening in the nation.

"The plant was permanently shut down on May 31, 2022, with its owners citing financial and safety concerns. But just months later, Whitmer announced a plan to revive Palisades, reigniting debates over the risks and benefits of #NuclearEnergy in a state still grappling with its troubled legacy.

"Typically, after 40 years, a nuclear power plant is closed and undergoes a complex decommissioning process that can take up to 30 years to complete. Globally, the only plants that have reopened are in Japan.

"#Holtec Decommissioning International bought Palisades in 2022 with the goal of dismantling it. Now, with Whitmer’s support, they have since decided to reopen the plant, something Holtec has never done.

"Neither Holtec nor Whitmer’s office responded to multiple requests for comment. "

Read more:
https://investigatemidwest.org/2024/12/10/risky-revival-how-michigans-palisades-nuclear-plant-could-impact-agriculture/

#NoNukes #WaterIsLife #LandIsLife #RethinkNotRestart #RenewablesNow #Holtec #HoltecLies #USPol #NuclearPowerCorruptionAndLies #NuclearPowerPlants

Risky Revival: How #Michigan’s #Palisades #NuclearPlant could impact agriculture

While state leaders champion the Palisades reopening as an energy solution, local farmers remain divided over the potential threats to their land and water.

by S. Nicole Lane, for Investigate Midwest December 10, 2024

COVERT, Michigan — "The Palisades Nuclear Generating Station, long synonymous with safety lapses and regulatory oversight, is poised for an unprecedented comeback under Michigan Gov. #GretchenWhitmer’s plan to reopen the shuttered plant by 2025 — the first attempt of its kind in U.S. history.

"However, in this robust agricultural region, there are fears about how reopening a problematic plant could impact area farmers and the food they produce.

"Approximately 6,362 farms are within 50 miles of Palisades. In Van Buren County alone, where the plant is located, there are 838 farms. Michigan’s southwestern corner, home to 80% of the state’s farms, is often called the 'blueberry capital of the world.'

"'A leak (and) this 150-year-old farm is done,' said Bill Adams, who runs Adams Blueberry Farms in Hartford, Michigan, 16 miles south of the plant. 'Why would they restart something that old and sitting this long?'

"Opened in 1971, Palisades, which is located along #LakeMichigan, once generated 5% of Michigan’s electricity, enough to power 800,000 homes. But a litany of mechanical issues plagued its operations for decades.

"In 2013, the plant leaked 79 gallons of diluted #RadioactiveWater into Lake Michigan, forcing a five-week shutdown — its ninth closure in just two years.

"Federal regulators repeatedly flagged the plant for safety concerns, from undetected #RadiationExposure among employees in 2008 to persistent cracks in its 300,000-gallon storage tank that leaked for over a decade. In 2012, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) described Palisades as having some of the worst cases of nuclear fuel container weakening in the nation.

"The plant was permanently shut down on May 31, 2022, with its owners citing financial and safety concerns. But just months later, Whitmer announced a plan to revive Palisades, reigniting debates over the risks and benefits of #NuclearEnergy in a state still grappling with its troubled legacy.

"Typically, after 40 years, a nuclear power plant is closed and undergoes a complex decommissioning process that can take up to 30 years to complete. Globally, the only plants that have reopened are in Japan.

"#Holtec Decommissioning International bought Palisades in 2022 with the goal of dismantling it. Now, with Whitmer’s support, they have since decided to reopen the plant, something Holtec has never done.

"Neither Holtec nor Whitmer’s office responded to multiple requests for comment. "

Read more:
https://investigatemidwest.org/2024/12/10/risky-revival-how-michigans-palisades-nuclear-plant-could-impact-agriculture/

#NoNukes #WaterIsLife #LandIsLife #RethinkNotRestart #RenewablesNow #Holtec #HoltecLies #USPol #NuclearPowerCorruptionAndLies #NuclearPowerPlants

An International Atomic Energy mission arrived in Japan Monday for its third review of treated water from the Fukushima No.1 nuclear power plant. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/12/09/japan/iaea-fukushima-water/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #fukushima #radioactivewater #nuclearenergy #fukushimano1 #tepco

An International Atomic Energy mission arrived in Japan Monday for its third review of treated water from the Fukushima No.1 nuclear power plant. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/12/09/japan/iaea-fukushima-water/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #fukushima #radioactivewater #nuclearenergy #fukushimano1 #tepco

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Chinese leader Xi Jinping held their first in-person talks Friday, as relations remain tense over a ban on Japanese seafood exports, China's military moves near Japan and the safety of Japanese nationals in China. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/11/16/japan/politics/china-japan-xi-ishiba-meeting/ #japan #politics #chinajapanrelations #china #pla #eastchinasea #fukushimano1 #radioactivewater #trade #defense #xijinping #shigeruishiba

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Chinese leader Xi Jinping held their first in-person talks Friday, as relations remain tense over a ban on Japanese seafood exports, China's military moves near Japan and the safety of Japanese nationals in China. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/11/16/japan/politics/china-japan-xi-ishiba-meeting/ #japan #politics #chinajapanrelations #china #pla #eastchinasea #fukushimano1 #radioactivewater #trade #defense #xijinping #shigeruishiba

Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings has completed the fifth round of discharges of tritium-containing treated water from its Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant into the ocean for fiscal 2024. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/10/14/japan/fukushima-water-fifth-discharge/ #japan #tepco #fukushimano1 #radioactivewater

Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings has completed the fifth round of discharges of tritium-containing treated water from its Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant into the ocean for fiscal 2024. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/10/14/japan/fukushima-water-fifth-discharge/ #japan #tepco #fukushimano1 #radioactivewater

IAEA tested Fukushima fish Wednesday to reassure global markets about safety amid China's import ban. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/10/09/japan/iaea-fukushima-fish/ #japan #fukushimano1 #radiation #radioactivewater #china #fish

IAEA tested Fukushima fish Wednesday to reassure global markets about safety amid China's import ban. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/10/09/japan/iaea-fukushima-fish/ #japan #fukushimano1 #radiation #radioactivewater #china #fish

Japan on Tuesday provided the international community an update on the decommissioning work at its meltdown-stricken Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant, which was crippled by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/09/18/japan/science-health/fukushima-water-release/ #japan #sciencehealth #fukushimano1 #tepco #311 #radioactivewater

Japan on Tuesday provided the international community an update on the decommissioning work at its meltdown-stricken Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant, which was crippled by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/09/18/japan/science-health/fukushima-water-release/ #japan #sciencehealth #fukushimano1 #tepco #311 #radioactivewater

A year after the release of treated water from the crippled Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant began, the prefecture's fisheries industry continues to face challenges. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/09/02/japan/society/fukushima-fisheries-radioactive-water/ #japan #society #fukushima #fukushimano1 #radioactivewater #oceans #fishing #fish

A year after the release of treated water from the crippled Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant began, the prefecture's fisheries industry continues to face challenges. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/09/02/japan/society/fukushima-fisheries-radioactive-water/ #japan #society #fukushima #fukushimano1 #radioactivewater #oceans #fishing #fish

Former Liberal Democratic Party Secretary-General Toshihiro Nikai expressed regret over a Chinese warplane's recent violation of Japanese airspace in talks with a key Chinese official in Beijing on Wednesday. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/08/28/japan/politics/nikai-chinese-airspace-violation/ #japan #politics #chinajapanrelations #china #radioactivewater #visas

Former Liberal Democratic Party Secretary-General Toshihiro Nikai expressed regret over a Chinese warplane's recent violation of Japanese airspace in talks with a key Chinese official in Beijing on Wednesday. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/08/28/japan/politics/nikai-chinese-airspace-violation/ #japan #politics #chinajapanrelations #china #radioactivewater #visas

Tepco aims to begin dismantling tanks used for storing treated wastewater from its meltdown-stricken Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant in 2025 https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/08/26/japan/fukushima-water-tanks-dismantle/ #japan #fukushima #tepco #fukushimano1 #radioactivewater

Tepco aims to begin dismantling tanks used for storing treated wastewater from its meltdown-stricken Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant in 2025 https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/08/26/japan/fukushima-water-tanks-dismantle/ #japan #fukushima #tepco #fukushimano1 #radioactivewater

#DiabloCanyon #NuclearPowerPlant brings #profits for PG&E, deadly risk for residents [and the #environment]

Tina Landis
August 19, 2024

"Despite opposition from residents and #environmental organizations, California legislators passed #SenateBill846 in 2022 to extend the life of the dangerous, aging Diablo Canyon #nuclear facility.

"Located on the Central Coast surrounded by several #fault lines, one has to question why a nuclear facility was placed in an #earthquake zone to begin with, much less allowing it to continue to operate well past its retirement date. The world witnessed what can happen to a coastal nuclear facility in an earthquake zone when the 2011 #Fukushima disaster triggered a meltdown that displaced nearly half a million residents, with vast amounts of #RadioactiveWater still being released into the ocean today.

"As long as Diablo Canyon remains open, Californians live with the constant risk of suffering the same type of disaster.

"From its inception, Diablo Canyon had little public support. Protests occurred regularly during its construction, and thousands were arrested for #CivilDisobedience actions in 1981.

"In the 1970s and 1980s, California’s three largest utilities spent billions of dollars building dangerous and costly nuclear plants like Diablo Canyon, which resulted in skyrocketing rates for customers. Big industry fought back against these increased energy costs, which resulted in deregulation bills consisting of multi-billion dollar #bailouts to the state’s utility companies to cover their costly investments in nuclear.

"Today, the last remaining nuclear plant operating in the state is still draining billions in funds that could be used for safe, #renewable energy development. To keep Diablo Canyon running 5 years past its retirement date is expected to cost $8 billion to $12 billion. A federal aid package of $1.1 billion will contribute to some of those costs – meaning federal #taxpayers’ money – while the remaining billions will be passed on to #California #ratepayers.

"Despite being run by PG&E and only generating power for its territory, customers of #SouthernCaliforniaEdison and #SanDiegoGasAndElectric will help cover the remaining costs of the Diablo extension. Edison bills will increase by around $1.25 a month and SDG&E by 87 cents a month, while PG&E customers are expected to chip in $2.07 a month – and that’s just for the first year. Critics warn that costs are likely to increase in coming years to keep the plant running, and that’s on top of already skyrocketing PG&E rates that have doubled over the last decade. And if PG&E collects more funds than are needed for Diablo’s operations, they get to keep it!

"In 2022, when legislators pushed this through #SB846, the excuse of energy shortages was used due to pandemic-related supply chain issues and massive #wildfires. But today, there is plenty of energy being produced with increased #solar and #battery storage capacity that has kept the lights on even during this summer’s unprecedented heat waves driving up demand. The California Public Utility Commission’s own reporting shows that an additional 18,500 megawatts of new resources were added to the grid between 2020 and 2024, which is enough to power around 14 million homes. Another 11,000 megawatts will be added by 2028.

"Nuclear has the third highest lifecycle emissions of all energy sources after scrubbed #coal fired plants and natural gas – meaning it is far from being zero-emission. It also creates the unresolved issue of the #RadioactiveWaste which remains dangerous for tens of thousands to millions of years.

"Keeping the Diablo facility running will only hold back further development of safe and truly low-carbon, low cost renewable sources like solar and #wind energy.

"So why isn’t Diablo Canyon being decommissioned? The short answer is that #capitalism must ensure continued profits for the #InvestorClass.

"SB 846 authorized Diablo’s extension through 2030, and gave PG&E a $1.4 billion loan for the for-profit utility to facilitate the plant’s extension. #GovernorNewsom facilitated another transfer of taxpayer dollars to PG&E through an additional $400 million loan from the state’s general fund, included in the recent budget deal. Critics warn that these 'loans' will never be repaid, meaning residents will be fully subsidizing the Diablo extension – from federal and state tax dollars to our utility fees.

"But there is a way out. SB 846 allows the #CPUC to retire the plant earlier than 2030 if sufficient levels of new renewable zero-carbon energy resources exist, are interconnected, and meet demand, which is the case.

"CPUC has a long track record of serving PG&E’s interests, so intervention by the commission is unlikely. One example of many that demonstrates their close relationship: CPUC is not requiring PG&E to show how much of our utility bill actually goes to the Diablo extension, but instead lumps the cost in with 'public purpose programs,' making it impossible to determine.

"While communities are demanding an early shutdown of Diablo, PG&E is currently applying for a 20-year license renewal from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission [#NRC] for the facility, which is expected to be approved. This would mean customers will foot the bill to keep this dangerous nuclear facility running through 2045, far beyond the original expiration dates of 2024 and 2025.

"CPUC has proven their unwavering support time and again for PG&E’s monopoly control over the state’s energy system at the expense of residents’ safety and affordable rates. The Diablo Canyon nuclear plant is just another mechanism to squeeze ratepayers and line the pockets of shareholders who live far away from the dangers posed by this aging facility. Only a public takeover of this #corrupt utility can win clean, safe and affordable energy for all."

Source:
https://www.liberationnews.org/diablo-canyon-nuclear-plant-brings-profits-for-pge-deadly-risk-for-residents/

#PGAndE #RethinkNotRestart #NuclearCorruption #NuclearBailouts #RenewablesNow #NoNukes
#DiabloCanyonNuclearPlant
#NuclearPowerCorruptionAndLies #California #WaterIsLife #OceansAreLife

#DiabloCanyon #NuclearPowerPlant brings #profits for PG&E, deadly risk for residents [and the #environment]

Tina Landis
August 19, 2024

"Despite opposition from residents and #environmental organizations, California legislators passed #SenateBill846 in 2022 to extend the life of the dangerous, aging Diablo Canyon #nuclear facility.

"Located on the Central Coast surrounded by several #fault lines, one has to question why a nuclear facility was placed in an #earthquake zone to begin with, much less allowing it to continue to operate well past its retirement date. The world witnessed what can happen to a coastal nuclear facility in an earthquake zone when the 2011 #Fukushima disaster triggered a meltdown that displaced nearly half a million residents, with vast amounts of #RadioactiveWater still being released into the ocean today.

"As long as Diablo Canyon remains open, Californians live with the constant risk of suffering the same type of disaster.

"From its inception, Diablo Canyon had little public support. Protests occurred regularly during its construction, and thousands were arrested for #CivilDisobedience actions in 1981.

"In the 1970s and 1980s, California’s three largest utilities spent billions of dollars building dangerous and costly nuclear plants like Diablo Canyon, which resulted in skyrocketing rates for customers. Big industry fought back against these increased energy costs, which resulted in deregulation bills consisting of multi-billion dollar #bailouts to the state’s utility companies to cover their costly investments in nuclear.

"Today, the last remaining nuclear plant operating in the state is still draining billions in funds that could be used for safe, #renewable energy development. To keep Diablo Canyon running 5 years past its retirement date is expected to cost $8 billion to $12 billion. A federal aid package of $1.1 billion will contribute to some of those costs – meaning federal #taxpayers’ money – while the remaining billions will be passed on to #California #ratepayers.

"Despite being run by PG&E and only generating power for its territory, customers of #SouthernCaliforniaEdison and #SanDiegoGasAndElectric will help cover the remaining costs of the Diablo extension. Edison bills will increase by around $1.25 a month and SDG&E by 87 cents a month, while PG&E customers are expected to chip in $2.07 a month – and that’s just for the first year. Critics warn that costs are likely to increase in coming years to keep the plant running, and that’s on top of already skyrocketing PG&E rates that have doubled over the last decade. And if PG&E collects more funds than are needed for Diablo’s operations, they get to keep it!

"In 2022, when legislators pushed this through #SB846, the excuse of energy shortages was used due to pandemic-related supply chain issues and massive #wildfires. But today, there is plenty of energy being produced with increased #solar and #battery storage capacity that has kept the lights on even during this summer’s unprecedented heat waves driving up demand. The California Public Utility Commission’s own reporting shows that an additional 18,500 megawatts of new resources were added to the grid between 2020 and 2024, which is enough to power around 14 million homes. Another 11,000 megawatts will be added by 2028.

"Nuclear has the third highest lifecycle emissions of all energy sources after scrubbed #coal fired plants and natural gas – meaning it is far from being zero-emission. It also creates the unresolved issue of the #RadioactiveWaste which remains dangerous for tens of thousands to millions of years.

"Keeping the Diablo facility running will only hold back further development of safe and truly low-carbon, low cost renewable sources like solar and #wind energy.

"So why isn’t Diablo Canyon being decommissioned? The short answer is that #capitalism must ensure continued profits for the #InvestorClass.

"SB 846 authorized Diablo’s extension through 2030, and gave PG&E a $1.4 billion loan for the for-profit utility to facilitate the plant’s extension. #GovernorNewsom facilitated another transfer of taxpayer dollars to PG&E through an additional $400 million loan from the state’s general fund, included in the recent budget deal. Critics warn that these 'loans' will never be repaid, meaning residents will be fully subsidizing the Diablo extension – from federal and state tax dollars to our utility fees.

"But there is a way out. SB 846 allows the #CPUC to retire the plant earlier than 2030 if sufficient levels of new renewable zero-carbon energy resources exist, are interconnected, and meet demand, which is the case.

"CPUC has a long track record of serving PG&E’s interests, so intervention by the commission is unlikely. One example of many that demonstrates their close relationship: CPUC is not requiring PG&E to show how much of our utility bill actually goes to the Diablo extension, but instead lumps the cost in with 'public purpose programs,' making it impossible to determine.

"While communities are demanding an early shutdown of Diablo, PG&E is currently applying for a 20-year license renewal from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission [#NRC] for the facility, which is expected to be approved. This would mean customers will foot the bill to keep this dangerous nuclear facility running through 2045, far beyond the original expiration dates of 2024 and 2025.

"CPUC has proven their unwavering support time and again for PG&E’s monopoly control over the state’s energy system at the expense of residents’ safety and affordable rates. The Diablo Canyon nuclear plant is just another mechanism to squeeze ratepayers and line the pockets of shareholders who live far away from the dangers posed by this aging facility. Only a public takeover of this #corrupt utility can win clean, safe and affordable energy for all."

Source:
https://www.liberationnews.org/diablo-canyon-nuclear-plant-brings-profits-for-pge-deadly-risk-for-residents/

#PGAndE #RethinkNotRestart #NuclearCorruption #NuclearBailouts #RenewablesNow #NoNukes
#DiabloCanyonNuclearPlant
#NuclearPowerCorruptionAndLies #California #WaterIsLife #OceansAreLife

TEPCO reports that is has completed the fourth round of the FY 2024 release of treated water into the ocean from its disaster-crippled Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/08/25/japan/society/fukushima-water-release/ #japan #society #fukushima #fukushimano1 #radioactivewater #oceans

TEPCO reports that is has completed the fourth round of the FY 2024 release of treated water into the ocean from its disaster-crippled Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/08/25/japan/society/fukushima-water-release/ #japan #society #fukushima #fukushimano1 #radioactivewater #oceans

Picture of the day: #Radioactive rally

Aug. 22, 2024
AP

"#SouthKorean environmental activists stage a rally Wednesday near a building which houses the Japanese Embassy, in Seoul, #SouthKorea, to demand Japan stop the release of treated #RadioactiveWater into the sea from the damaged #Fukushima #NuclearPowerPlant plant."

Archived version:
https://web.archive.org/web/20240821222140/https://japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/radioactive-rally

#NoDumping #FukushimaWater
#PacificOcean #WaterIsLife
#Corporatism #Corruption
#JapanGovernment #TEPCOLies #OceansAreLife #bioaccumulation #bioconcentration

Picture of the day: #Radioactive rally

Aug. 22, 2024
AP

"#SouthKorean environmental activists stage a rally Wednesday near a building which houses the Japanese Embassy, in Seoul, #SouthKorea, to demand Japan stop the release of treated #RadioactiveWater into the sea from the damaged #Fukushima #NuclearPowerPlant plant."

Archived version:
https://web.archive.org/web/20240821222140/https://japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/radioactive-rally

#NoDumping #FukushimaWater
#PacificOcean #WaterIsLife
#Corporatism #Corruption
#JapanGovernment #TEPCOLies #OceansAreLife #bioaccumulation #bioconcentration

I see how it goes. When #China or #SouthKorea or other countries are concerned about #FukushimaDaiichi "treated" #RadioactiveWater #dumping and call into question #TEPCO's data, it's #propaganda against #Japan -- forgetting the FACT that #TEPCOLies -- and has been LYING for YEARS! Not sure why either #IAEA is believing TEPCO or maybe is complicit in hiding the data? Something's fishy (pun intended)!

#NoDumping #FukushimaWater
#PacificOcean #WaterIsLife
#Corporatism #Corruption
#JapanGovernment
#OceansAreLife #IAEAHides ? #DataFalsification

I see how it goes. When #China or #SouthKorea or other countries are concerned about #FukushimaDaiichi "treated" #RadioactiveWater #dumping and call into question #TEPCO's data, it's #propaganda against #Japan -- forgetting the FACT that #TEPCOLies -- and has been LYING for YEARS! Not sure why either #IAEA is believing TEPCO or maybe is complicit in hiding the data? Something's fishy (pun intended)!

#NoDumping #FukushimaWater
#PacificOcean #WaterIsLife
#Corporatism #Corruption
#JapanGovernment
#OceansAreLife #IAEAHides ? #DataFalsification

[PDF] National Association of Marine Laboratories
Position Paper

Scientific opposition to Japan’s planned release of over 1.3 million tons of radioactively contaminated water from the #FukushimaDaiIchi #NuclearPowerPlant
disaster into the #PacificOcean.

December 2022

“The National Association of Marine Laboratories (#NAML), an organization of more than
100 member laboratories, opposes Japan’s plans to begin releasing over 1.3 million tons of radioactively contaminated water from the Fukushima-Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the Pacific Ocean commencing in 2023. This opposition is based on the fact that there is a lack of adequate and accurate scientific data supporting Japan’s assertion of safety.

"Furthermore, there is an abundance of data demonstrating serious concerns about releasing radioactively contaminated water.

“The Pacific Ocean is the largest continuous body of water on our planet, containing the greatest biomass of organisms of ecological, economic, and cultural value, including 70 percent of the world’s #fisheries. The health of all the world’s #OceanEcosystems is in documented decline due
to a variety of stressors, including climate change, over-exploitation of resources, and pollution.

"The proposed release of this #contaminated water is a #transboundary and #transgenerational issue of concern for the health of marine ecosystems and those whose lives and livelihoods depend on them. We are concerned about the absence of critical data on the radionuclide content of each tank, the Advanced Liquid Processing System, which is used to remove radionuclides, and the assumption that upon the release of the contaminated wastewater,
‘dilution is the solution to pollution.’

“The underlying rationale of #dilution ignores the reality of biological processes of #OrganicBinding,
#bioaccumulation, and #bioconcentration, as well as accumulation in local seafloor sediments. Many of the radionuclides contained in the accumulated waste cooling water have half-lives ranging from decades to centuries, and their deleterious effects range from #DNADamage and
#cellular stress to elevated #cancer risks in people who eat affected marine organisms, such as clams, oysters, crabs, lobster, shrimp, and fish.

"Additionally, the effectiveness of the Advanced Liquid Processing System in almost completely removing the over 60 different #radionuclides present in the affected wastewater—some of which have an affinity to target specific tissues, glands, organs, and metabolic pathways in #LivingOrganisms, including people—remains a
serious concern due to the absence of critical data.

"The supporting data provided by the Tokyo Electric Power Company and the #JapaneseGovernment are insufficient and, in some cases, incorrect, with flaws in sampling protocols, statistical design, sample analyses, and assumptions, which in turn lead to flaws in the
conclusion of safety and prevent a more thorough evaluation of better alternative approaches to disposal. A full range of approaches to addressing the problem of safely containing, storing, and disposing of the radioactive waste have not been adequately explored, and alternatives to ocean dumping should be examined in greater detail and with extensive scientific rigor.

“NAML calls on the Government of #Japan and International Atomic Energy Agency (#IAEA) scientists to more fully and adequately consider the options recommended by the #PacificIslandsForum’s Expert Panel. We believe public policy decisions, regulations, and actions must keep pace with and make use of relevant advancements in our scientific understanding of the #environment and human health. In this case, we believe policy makers have not fully availed themselves of the available science and should do so before making any final decisions on releasing this contaminated water into the Pacific. NAML members are unified in our concern about use of the oceans as a dumping ground for radioactively contaminated water and other #pollutants because such actions can negatively affect the long-term health and sustainability of
our planet.

“We urge the Government of Japan to stop pursuing their planned and precedent-setting release of the radioactively contaminated water into the Pacific Ocean and to work with the broader scientific community to pursue other approaches [like #ClosedLoop systems or binding radionuclides in concerete] that protect #OceanLife; human health; and
those communities who depend on ecologically, economically, and culturally valuable marine
resources. “

Adopted by the NAML Board of Directors, December 12, 2022

https://www.naml.org/policy/documents/2022-12-12%20Position%20Paper,%20Release%20of%20Radioactively%20Contaminated%20Water%20into%20the%20Ocean.pdf

#WaterIsLife #OceansAreLife
#IAEAHides #TEPCOLies
#FukushimaIsntOver #NoDumping #NuclearPowerPlants #RadioactiveWater #RethinkNotRestart #PacificOcean #DataFalsification #ALPSSystem

[PDF] National Association of Marine Laboratories
Position Paper

Scientific opposition to Japan’s planned release of over 1.3 million tons of radioactively contaminated water from the #FukushimaDaiIchi #NuclearPowerPlant
disaster into the #PacificOcean.

December 2022

“The National Association of Marine Laboratories (#NAML), an organization of more than
100 member laboratories, opposes Japan’s plans to begin releasing over 1.3 million tons of radioactively contaminated water from the Fukushima-Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the Pacific Ocean commencing in 2023. This opposition is based on the fact that there is a lack of adequate and accurate scientific data supporting Japan’s assertion of safety.

"Furthermore, there is an abundance of data demonstrating serious concerns about releasing radioactively contaminated water.

“The Pacific Ocean is the largest continuous body of water on our planet, containing the greatest biomass of organisms of ecological, economic, and cultural value, including 70 percent of the world’s #fisheries. The health of all the world’s #OceanEcosystems is in documented decline due
to a variety of stressors, including climate change, over-exploitation of resources, and pollution.

"The proposed release of this #contaminated water is a #transboundary and #transgenerational issue of concern for the health of marine ecosystems and those whose lives and livelihoods depend on them. We are concerned about the absence of critical data on the radionuclide content of each tank, the Advanced Liquid Processing System, which is used to remove radionuclides, and the assumption that upon the release of the contaminated wastewater,
‘dilution is the solution to pollution.’

“The underlying rationale of #dilution ignores the reality of biological processes of #OrganicBinding,
#bioaccumulation, and #bioconcentration, as well as accumulation in local seafloor sediments. Many of the radionuclides contained in the accumulated waste cooling water have half-lives ranging from decades to centuries, and their deleterious effects range from #DNADamage and
#cellular stress to elevated #cancer risks in people who eat affected marine organisms, such as clams, oysters, crabs, lobster, shrimp, and fish.

"Additionally, the effectiveness of the Advanced Liquid Processing System in almost completely removing the over 60 different #radionuclides present in the affected wastewater—some of which have an affinity to target specific tissues, glands, organs, and metabolic pathways in #LivingOrganisms, including people—remains a
serious concern due to the absence of critical data.

"The supporting data provided by the Tokyo Electric Power Company and the #JapaneseGovernment are insufficient and, in some cases, incorrect, with flaws in sampling protocols, statistical design, sample analyses, and assumptions, which in turn lead to flaws in the
conclusion of safety and prevent a more thorough evaluation of better alternative approaches to disposal. A full range of approaches to addressing the problem of safely containing, storing, and disposing of the radioactive waste have not been adequately explored, and alternatives to ocean dumping should be examined in greater detail and with extensive scientific rigor.

“NAML calls on the Government of #Japan and International Atomic Energy Agency (#IAEA) scientists to more fully and adequately consider the options recommended by the #PacificIslandsForum’s Expert Panel. We believe public policy decisions, regulations, and actions must keep pace with and make use of relevant advancements in our scientific understanding of the #environment and human health. In this case, we believe policy makers have not fully availed themselves of the available science and should do so before making any final decisions on releasing this contaminated water into the Pacific. NAML members are unified in our concern about use of the oceans as a dumping ground for radioactively contaminated water and other #pollutants because such actions can negatively affect the long-term health and sustainability of
our planet.

“We urge the Government of Japan to stop pursuing their planned and precedent-setting release of the radioactively contaminated water into the Pacific Ocean and to work with the broader scientific community to pursue other approaches [like #ClosedLoop systems or binding radionuclides in concerete] that protect #OceanLife; human health; and
those communities who depend on ecologically, economically, and culturally valuable marine
resources. “

Adopted by the NAML Board of Directors, December 12, 2022

https://www.naml.org/policy/documents/2022-12-12%20Position%20Paper,%20Release%20of%20Radioactively%20Contaminated%20Water%20into%20the%20Ocean.pdf

#WaterIsLife #OceansAreLife
#IAEAHides #TEPCOLies
#FukushimaIsntOver #NoDumping #NuclearPowerPlants #RadioactiveWater #RethinkNotRestart #PacificOcean #DataFalsification #ALPSSystem

August 2023:

Explainer | Why do many scientists oppose #Fukushima #radioactive waste discharge?

The release of treated waste water from the #NuclearPlant has begun, despite concerns from major scientific organisations

IAEA is monitoring the operation but many experts are questioning the amount of data being collected

by Victoria Bela
Published: 2:05pm, 30 Aug 2023

"Japan’s decision to start releasing around 30 years’ worth of treated radioactive waste into the #PacificOcean on #August24 has drawn criticism from some countries, including China, as well as some of the world’s leading scientific organisations.

"The plan to deal with the 1.3 million tonnes of contaminated water accumulated since the #FukushimaDaiichi #NuclearPowerPlant meltdown in 2011 includes removing most of the radioactive chemicals before it is discharged into the ocean.

[...]

"However, the ALPS has been shown to be unsuccessful in filtering out the other 62 radioactive chemicals present in the waste water, according to data from the Japanese ministry for economy, trade and industry (#METI).

"According to METI, around 70 per cent of ALPS-treated water still contained #radioactive substances other than #tritium by the end of 2020, and needed to be #repurified.

"The US-based National Association of Marine Laboratories (#NAML), which represents more than 100 labs, released a position paper in December 2022 [link in comments] that firmly opposed Japan’s plan over 'a lack of adequate and accurate scientific data' about its safety.

"NAML members include some of the world’s most influential marine research institutes, including the #ScrippsInstitution of #Oceanography at the University of California, San Diego."

https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3232797/why-do-so-many-scientists-oppose-fukushima-radioactive-waste-discharge

#WaterIsLife #OceansAreLife
#IAEAHides #TEPCOLies
#FukushimaIsntOver
#NoDumping #NuclearPowerPlants #RadioactiveWater #RethinkNotRestart #PacificOcean #DataFalsification #ALPSSystem

From 2007:

"Not Again": Yet Another #TEPCO Scandal

Citizens' Nuclear Information Center

"Over the years there have been all sorts of cases of data fabrication and falsification at #nuclear, thermal and hydroelectric power plants. Each time the power companies and plant makers apologize and say that they will lance the wound, but then they go and repeat the same behavior over and over again. When Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) reported yet another case of data falsification to the Ministry of Economy Trade and Industry (#METI) the headline in the Fukushima local newspaper the following day (1 February 2007) was 'Not Again!', sigh the local people and the Prefectural government '.

"The latest scandal began when Asahi Shimbun newspaper reported on 31 October 2006 that #Chugoku Electric Power Company had falsified data for #DoyoDam on the #MatanoRiver. People might assume that the reason for #ChugokuElectric's admission was simply that it had made a judgment that the problem could no longer be concealed once it was leaked to the newspaper. However, there was more behind the admission than meets the eye. Even before this, anti-dam activists had been pursuing TEPCO over suspicious data related to its dams. For example, it had recorded flow measurements that could not possibly have been taken, because the locations were inaccessible due to heavy snow falls. Chugoku Electric's admission should be seen against this background.

"METI and the Ministry of Land Infrastructure and Transport responded by demanding that all electric power companies check their records. The upshot was that it was discovered that Chugoku Electric was not alone. In fact, it became apparent that all power companies had falsified and fabricated data in relation to such things as subsidence of dam embankments, and alterations to facilities without prior approval.

"The next major development came on November 15th, when it was revealed that Chugoku Electric had falsified data in relation to releases of hot wastewater at its #Shimonoseki thermal power plant. This led to similar revelations for nuclear power plants owned by TEPCO, #Kansai Electric Power Company (#KEPCO), Tohoku Electric Power Company and Japan Atomic Power Company (#JAPCO). On 10 January 2007 TEPCO submitted a report to METI entitled 'Causes of and measures to prevent a repetition of falsification of sea temperature data at the condenser outlets of #KashiwazakiKariwa Nuclear Power Plant, Reactors 1 and 4'.

"The report said, 'An investigation of power plants was instigated, because the Shimonoseki thermal power plant case reminded a worker that corrections had been made to sea temperature data.' As a result, falsification (referred to by TEPCO as "corrections") was discovered at Kashiwazaki-Kariwa reactors 1 & 4 and #Fukushima I reactors 1, 4 & 5.

"The hot wastewater referred to here is seawater, which has been used to cool and condense the steam used to drive the turbines of thermal and nuclear power plants. When the steam from the turbine condenses, its heat is transferred to the coolant, which in this case is seawater. The temperature of the seawater is raised in the process. If the seawater released is too hot, it can affect the ecosystem. Therefore, the temperature at both the intake and outlet points is measured and monitored to ensure that the temperature difference is not too great. At some power plants computers were programmed to record a higher than actual intake temperature, while at others they were programmed to record a lower outlet temperature. The readings were thus falsified to show a lower temperature difference than was really the case.

"On 31 January 2007 TEPCO released details of data falsification at its nuclear power plants. It admitted to a total of about 200 irregularities. A few examples are discussed below.

1. During a periodic inspection in May 1992 at Kashiwazaki-Kariwa reactor number 1 (K-K-1), the day before it was to be tested it was discovered that, due to a fault with the electric motor, the residual heat removal pump (part of the Emergency Core Cooling System (ECCS)) was not working. TEPCO staff made some adjustments to make it appear from the central control room that the pump was working. In this way, they were able to trick the METI inspector into awarding a pass for the inspection.

2. Again at K-K (the reactors are not specified), from around 1995 to 1997, measurements of the concentration of radioactive iodine released from the exhaust stack were made to appear lower than they really were by taking the measurements on the reverse side of the filter. In May 1995 the concentration of radioactivity from rare gases emitted from the exhaust stack of reactor 4 was also falsified.

3. From 1979 to 1998, in order to pass inspections, internal pressure readings for steam pipes connecting the reactor to the turbines at Fukushima I reactor 1 were falsified to match the specifications in the inspection guidelines. It was said that the specifications were inappropriate and that they were later amended so that falsification ceased to be necessary.

"There were many instances of malpractice besides these, in relation to periodic inspections and also in other areas. Fabrication and falsification had indeed become standard practice. Investigations are still proceeding and one cannot help feeling that the most serious and dangerous cases are still to come."

[And indeed it would come, 4 years later!]

http://www.cnic.jp/english/newsletter/nit117/nit117articles/nit117tepco.html

#CitizensNuclearInformatioNcenter #NoNukes #WaterIsLife #OceansAreLife #IAEAHides #TEPCOLies #FukushimaIsntOver #NoDumping #NuclearPowerPlants #RadioactiveWater #RethinkNotRestart #PacificOcean #DataFalsification