MOSCOW, SEPT 11 – Japan’s plan to recycle and dispose of radioactive soil from the Fukushima-1 nuclear power plant (NPP) complies with safety standards, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), reports Sputnik.
“Japan’s approach to recycling and disposing of soil and radioactive waste from decontamination activities after the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (FDNPS) incident in 2011 as planned is consistent with IAEA Safety Standards. The findings presented by the IAEA to Japanese Environment Minister Shintaro Ito today are the result of a 16-month safety review,” according to the agency in a statement yesterday.
About 13 million cubic meters of soil and 300,000 cubic meters of ash from burning organic matter have been removed as part of decontamination work in Fukushima Prefecture, according to the statement, adding that final disposal of the remaining soil is expected to be completed outside Fukushima Prefecture by 2045.
“Japan plans to recycle about 75 percent of the discarded soil – soil with low levels of radioactivity – using it if it proves safe for civil engineering structures,” according to the statement.
According to the agency, the remaining land that cannot be recycled will be permanently disposed of with Japan aiming to confirm the selection of the site in 2025. – Bernama
