June 8, 2015

Jun 8, 2015 | Fukushima Accident Updates

  • World Nuclear News reports Japan might begin F. Daiichi fuel removal in 2021. Their source is the Director of the Nuclear Damage Compensation and Decommissioning Facilitation Corporation (NDF), Yasuharu Igarishi. He stated,”We expect to select the retrieval method within the next few years, after which detailed design and mock-up tests will follow. For the start of retrieval of fuel debris, we are now thinking 2021.” Three possible methods are being weighed: total submersion of the Primary Containment Vessel, partial submersion with top-access retrieval, or side access through to RPV pedestal. Igarishi also listed the five guiding principles in the plan; methods that are safe, proven, efficient, timely and “field-oriented”…based on the actual conditions confronted. The plan will further include waste management involving storage, processing and disposal methods. http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/WR-Japan-to-start-Fukushima-fuel-debris-removal-in-2021-04061501.html
  • Many Fukushima businesses will lose compensation in March, 2017. To date, about half of the nearly 5 trillion yen in compensation payments have gone to land owners and businesses. Pay-outs have been made to more than 8,000 proprietors, including tourism and food processing businesses located outside the evacuation zone which have been hurt by empty rumors. The payments were originally scheduled to end in March, 2015, but Tokyo and Tepco have extended the termination date to the end of fiscal 2016. The two-year lump sum payment will be offered to small- and medium-sized businesses with investments or capital of up to 100 million yen, as well as to individual business operators on a case-by case basis. Those outside the no-go zone could receive payments covering rumor-based losses until July, 2017. Tokyo and the private sector will jointly support those operators rebuilding in the no-go zone, those changing their venues, and find new employment for those who will lose their jobs. On the other hand, farm, fishing, and forestry businesses are expected to continue compensation after the March, 2017 deadline. But, not all firms will necessarily lose compensation in 2017. TEPCO said the condition for compensation payments beyond March 2017 is “being forced to endure ongoing damage due to special circumstances that cannot be avoided.” Reaction from business owners is mixed. Rice dealer Ikuo Yamamoto said, “It is premature to stop paying compensation.” On the other hand, beauty salon operator Kumiko Hayakawa said, “It is inappropriate for us to just rely on compensation for so long. But I suspect people may not return to the town.” Bakery owner Masaki Yatsuhashi has opened a new bakery because he did not wish to be dependent on the pay-outs, but doesn’t know if he will reopen in his hometown (Nahara) when the evacuation order is lifted.  http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20150608p2a00m0na005000c.html —  http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311disaster/fukushima/AJ201506080034
  • The government has decided to nationalize Fukushima’s rural low level waste disposal program. The decision makes Tokyo fully responsible for resolution. Environment Minister Yoshio Mochizuki says they will buy a site in Tomioka to bury materials with radioactive concentrations between 8,000 and 100,000 Becquerels per kilogram. The program will include subsidies designed to regenerate the local economy of Tomioka. The site is currently owned by Fukushima Ecotech Company, and has been used for industrial waste disposal for many years. Materials over 100,000 Bq/kg will be stored at the Futaba/Okuma facility adjacent to F. Daiichi station. Tokyo initially wanted to outsource low level waste disposal, but local officials refused to accept it and pressed for nationalization. The low level materials will be given the title “designated waste”. While the minister claimed “We made the decision to secure the safety of the project,” it seems the underlying reason was to satisfy demands for nationalization made by local officials in Fukushima. Fukushima Governor Masao Uchibori called the decision “an important step”. http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311disaster/fukushima/AJ201506060036 — http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2015060500971 — http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/06/06/national/radiated-fukushima-prefecture-soil-disposal-facility-to-be-nationalized/#.VXLLM6Mw8dU
  • Tokyo says “fallout” remains Japan’s top environmental problem. The government’s white paper on the environment says high levels of radiation are still detectible in some locations, causing a number of problems. These difficulties include depopulation and unfounded rumors. The paper calls for renewable energy to be introduced to the problem areas, with part of the profits going towards projects intended to induce former residents to return home. More than two-thirds of the evacuees that are now allowed to go home choose to remain estranged. http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/news/20150606_04.html
  • Critics attack the government’s projections for electricity production in 2030. Tokyo’s target is for fossil fuels providing about 55%, renewables between 22 and 24%, and nuclear at least 20%, in order to meet the nation’s most recent CO2 reduction goals. Mutsuyoshi Nishimura, a former climate ambassador for Japan, said, “The energy mix is based upon restarting nuclear in a substantive way, which looks unlikely in view of public opposition.” Greenpeace was even more negative, “By relying on a fantasy nuclear energy mix rather than setting ambitious renewable and energy-efficiency targets, Japan will fail to meet even the low-bar CO2 reduction goals that Abe announced.” http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/japans-emissions-target-relying-on-nuclear-seen-as-unrealistic?utm_campaign=jt_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_source=jt_newsletter_2015-06-05_PM  (Comment – None of the critics seem to care about Japan’s massive trade deficit and large electricity price increases due to the nuclear moratorium.)
  • Former PM Junichiro Koizumi continues his antinuclear crusade. He blasted PM Abe’s new energy goals, alleging that they are “in breach of the election pledge. [Abe is] moving against the direction of lowering reliance on nuclear power as much as possible.” Koizumi’s words fly in the face of the fact that the new 20-22% nuclear projection is much, much less than to 30% supplied before the Fukushima Accident. http://english.kyodonews.jp/news/2015/06/356558.html