The International Atomic Energy Agency said Tuesday that Japan’s plan to reuse decontaminated soil following the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident is consistent with global safety standards.
The U.N. nuclear safety watchdog handed its final expert report to Environment Minister Shintaro Ito in Tokyo on the same day, which could enhance public understanding of the government’s efforts to ease concerns.
The Japanese government is aiming to reduce the volume of soil containing radioactive materials. Decontaminated soil with relatively low concentrations of radioactive substances is planned to be used for public works projects across the country.
Ito told the IAEA, “The government will continue its efforts, fully considering the report’s findings, to promote more effective management, recycling and final disposal of the removed soil in the future.”
Around 14 million cubic meters of low-level radioactive waste from decontamination work in the northeastern prefecture have been placed in interim storage near the plant. Soil and waste deemed unsuitable for recycling will be designated for final disposal.
Tags International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Japan the Mainichi
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