On January 21, Japan’s Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA) approved the full operation of a sub-drain and purification facility for groundwater at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (NPS).
The eventual aim is to reduce the dangers of accumulated groundwater by pumping it up from sub-drain pits (wells) around the turbine buildings of Units 1 to 4, removing radioactive materials from that groundwater, and discharging the treated water in a controlled way.
Through its examinations, the NRA ascertained the effectiveness of treatment and controlled release for the radiological protection of areas around the NPS and in preventing the expansion of contamination. For a time being, however, it will ask for regular reporting on the state of pump operations and monitoring of sub-drain water levels.
