TEPCO discovers radioactivity levels beyond threshold for release in pump well

[yuiyoshida]

THE ASAHI SHIMBUN

Radioactivity levels exceeding standards to release groundwater into the ocean were discovered in a pump well at the crippled Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant, Tokyo Electric Power Co. said April 17.

TEPCO said 1,600 becquerels per liter of tritium were detected in one of 12 wells dug on the facility's grounds to lift uncontaminated underground water before it can reach reactor buildings and become contaminated. The level tops the utility's self-imposed standards of 1,500 becquerels per liter.

TEPCO said it has suspended pumping operations and that it intends to decide whether to resume operations after conducting an investigation into the groundwater on April 18.

The utility currently plans to divert groundwater from reactor buildings by pumping and storing it before it reaches the crippled reactors and then releasing it into the ocean.

more...http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311disaster/fukushima/AJ201404180057

[madokie]

1. They'll just move the goal post

The last thing we need is more nuclear power plants anywhere on this planet. It would be one thing if they knew what to do when shit happens but as this clearly shows they have not a clue. A machine as big and complex as a nuclear power plant is going to have shit happen. That can be taken to the bank too as its a fact