100 tons of highly radioactive water leaked from Fukushima nuclear complex
Image credit: The Fukushima I Nuclear Power Plant after the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami. Reactor 1 to 4 from right to left. Author: Digital Globe
Operator of tsunami stricken Fukushima Daiichi nuclear complex said on Thursday, February 20, that roughly 100 tons of highly radioactive water leaked from one of the tanks again.
According to the operator, a worker on patrol noticed water spilling from the tank's lid at 23:25 local time on Wednesday. The water, by passing through a rainwater pipe, escaped outside a barrier intended to block water from spreading outside when tanks leak.
Beta radiation readings of 230 million becquerels per liter were taken in a sample collected from a gutter on top of the leaked tank. Japan’s safety limit for radioactive materials in drinking water is 10 becquerels per liter.
"Radioactive water overflowed from the 10-meter long tank after two valves — which were supposed to be closed — had been opened, Masayuki Ono, an official at the utility’s nuclear power and plant division, said today." (Bloomberg)
The leak was found 700 meters (0.4 miles) from the ocean.
Read more:
- Fishermen worried about Fukushima leak – NHK
- Radioactive Water Fukushima Daiichi’s Hidden Crises – NHK
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See, with just about ANY other industry, the mess would've been cleaned up by now. Even DEEPWATER HORIZON was manageable compared to Fukushima.
I live on the Pacific coast of the United States and have already seen a change in the ocean. This is not Japan's Ocean to destroy. America should sue. These spills are having a very large impact on marine life in the area and in turn effecting those who depend on it for livelihood. Can someone be held accountable for destroying the Pacific please!!