Expecting to receive feedback on the three points below from overseas nuclear power officials, JANTI dispatched four people including President Ishikawa to firstly visit NEI (Nuclear Energy Institute) in the US where they explained the current situation to US nuclear power officials and exchanged opinions. |
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To show you all data we have, and get your frank impressions and opinions to those happenings in Japan. |
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To expect you to express your sound opinions for those matters concerned, whatever you feel, to Japanese |
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To discuss a way of cooperation with you for further sound NPP for future, by solving a numbers of lessons learned we may obtain soon in accordance, with progress of investigations by Tokyo Electric Company |
There were many participants from the industry and government agencies, many questions were asked, and we were able to realize just how concerned the US is over the situation. This 7th report introduces an overview of our visit to NEI.
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| 1. |
Date of visit: Friday, August 24, 2007 1:30pm to 3:30pm |
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Place of visit: NEI (WashingtonDC, US)
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Participants: about 35 people from |
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<Industry> NEI, INPO, EPRI, Exelon, Ontario Power Generation, GE, WH, local Japanese corporations (TEPCO, Chubu Electric Power, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Toshiba, Hitachi) |
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<Government> NRC, DOE |
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Overview |
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Main points of President’s greeting |
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Tens of damages to plant facilities have been reported but all seven units are being maintained in a state of safe shutdown. This is thanks to the design and safe construction of the nuclear power station and is a fact that I would like to share with confidence. |
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We must be grateful to the pioneers all over the world that contributed to this result. Also, I would like to give praise to the power station workers who gave their all to protect the station in spite of the difficulties that were brought on by the earthquake. |
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Individual explanation items |
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Regarding the characteristics and scale of The Niigataken Chuetsu-oki Earthquake in 2007, and the results (state of the city, status of the entire power station) of the local investigation carried out by JANTI on July 23 and 24. |
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Major incidents and current status |
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In-house transformer fire (Unit 3) |
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Small leak of radioactive materials into environment (Unit 6, 7) |
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Water leak into basement level 5 of the reactor combined structure due to damage to the fire extinguishing system piping (Unit 1) |
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Damage to the ceiling crane on the operating floor of the reactor building (Unit 6) |
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Regarding what was actually reported by the Japanese mass media and what information was given by JANTI |
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Main questions and opinions from participant |
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There were many technical questions aimed at confirming fact relationships. In particular, there was much concern about the spilling of water from the spent fuel pool onto the operating floor and questions focused on the scale of the overspill (what units were affected, amount) and how much water was discharged into the ocean. Furthermore, there were also questions about JANTI’s interpretation of the contents of the IAEA report and about what the mass media reported in regards to such. |
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Lastly, NEI President Bowman gave the following comments adding that he had learned a lot. |
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The way in which Japan released information, in other words, releasing information about injuries little by little each day, and releasing information that was inconsistent, led to a feeling of uneasiness. |
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It is necessary to disclose and announce all information in order to improve the partnership that exists between the US and Japan, and from this action trust will be born. Also, it is important for the US and Japan to cooperate and communicate more. |
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Concluding remarks by President |
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What JANTI discussed here today is based on the rough information that we observed. The investigation into the earthquake has only just begun, and to put it accurately, the detailed information is yet to come. How we use this information is important. |
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JANTI should release the information on its website. We would like you to use it and let us know if you have any requests or questions. We will do what we can to accommodate you. |
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In regards to the earthquake, there is no difference between PWR and BWR. We will do our best to see that excellent power plants are built in the future, but we would be extremely grateful for your support. |
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End |
