Nuclear De-Contamination Reality
Channel: OTWTE
Date: 2013-07-25

http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/

DECONTAMINATION SLOW, EFFECTIVENESS IN DOUBT
 
Decontamination to reduce radioactive pollution caused by the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident has been slow, and its effectiveness has been called into question.

 NHK compared data from before and after decontamination at 43 districts in 21 municipalities across Fukushima Prefecture.

 In 33 of the districts, or 77 percent of the total, radiation levels were still higher than the government-set standard of one millisievert per year.

 In areas near the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, where decontamination has been carried out on an experimental basis, radiation levels remain 10 to 60 times higher than the official limit.

 The Environment Ministry says decontamination had only been conducted in about 3 percent of residential areas in the evacuation zone as of the end of March.

Jul. 23, 2013 - Updated 11:55 UTC

SECOND FUKUSHIMA DEBRIS STORAGE SURVEY UNDERWAY

Japan's Environment Ministry has started a land survey at a second candidate site for storing radioactive soil and debris near the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant.

 The survey began on Friday in Naraha Town. It is one of 3 areas where the government wants to build intermediate storage facilities for contaminated debris.

 Senior Vice Environment Minister Shinji Inoue observed workers using heavy machinery and taking soil samples.

 He told reporters that the survey is behind schedule and that the ministry hopes to open the facility in early 2015.

 Naraha officials have allowed the survey on condition that they will accept only debris that comes from the town. They have not agreed to build a storage facility.

 Naraha became a no-entry zone after the nuclear accident in March 2011 and all residents have been evacuated. But the government has re-designated the town as an area where authorities will provide support to allow residents return home soon.

 Many Naraha evacuees are worried that they won't be able to return if they give up their land for the facility.

 The ministry started a similar survey in Okuma Town in early July. It says it will let residents know the results of both surveys.

 The ministry has yet to start a survey in a third candidate site in Futaba Town. Officials plan to hold briefings for Futaba residents from next week.

Jul. 12, 2013 - Updated 09:23 UTC

EXPERTS ESTIMATE DECONTAMINATION COSTS AT $50 BIL.
 
Experts estimate that cleaning up radioactivity in Fukushima Prefecture would cost 50 billion dollars, more than 4 times the amount that has been earmarked.

 Experts from the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology studied the cost of decontamination for the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident.

 They estimate that decontamination in no-entry zones will cost up to 20 billion dollars, and in other areas, 31 billion dollars.

 The estimate is based on the government-set unit costs and information provided by municipalities. It includes the cost of removing, transporting and storing radioactive waste such as contaminated soil.

 The central government has so far allocated about 11 billion dollars for the cleanup, but has not made clear what the total cost might be.

 The project is substantially behind schedule. Critics question its effectiveness, as radiation levels remain high in some areas even after decontamination.

 A member of the group, Junko Nakanishi, says the government is conducting the work without knowing how much it would cost to achieve the level that would meet residents' expectations.

 She says the government should study cost performance before deciding whether to complete the decontamination or reallocate the money to help people rebuild their lives.

Jul. 23, 2013 - Updated 10:36 UTC

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