NHK: at the emergency Fukushima-1 nuclear power plant in Japan, an ice wall solution leaked

Photo: Kyodo / Reuters

At the Japanese emergency nuclear power plant (NPP) “Fukushima-1” leaked at least four tons of the solution necessary to maintain an ice wall under it. This is reported by NHK.

According to the TV channel, the leak was discovered on January 16. The station workers found a puddle near one of the walls. NPP specialists believe that the cause could be damage to the pipes. Work has begun on troubleshooting.

An underground barrier of frozen soil protects damaged reactor buildings from groundwater entering them. The cooling solution is stored in four tanks at a temperature of minus 30 degrees.

The NPP assured that the wall is still capable of retaining groundwater, since it takes several months before the barrier begins to melt. It is noted that the leak does not cause harm to the environment.

Earlier, the South Korean authorities were concerned about Japan’s plans to dump radioactive water into the ocean from the emergency Fukushima-1 nuclear power plant (NPP). The process is connected with the elimination of the consequences of the accident that occurred in 2011. This decision was made by the Prime Minister of Japan Fumio Kishida. He checked the progress of the liquidation work and urged not to postpone the discharge of water stored at the station. They decided to launch the process in 2023.