Fukushima Daiichi NPS Prompt Report 2016

Step marks milestone in work toward removal of spent fuel; safety measures taken to protect environment by preventing the dispersion of dust

FUKUSHIMA, Sept. 13 - After months of preparations, dismantling of the wall panels of Fukushima Daiichi Unit 1 building cover has begun, a major milestone toward removal of fuel from the spent fuel pool.

On September 13, the first wall panel was removed, (see video here http://www.tepco.co.jp/en/news/library/archive-e.html?video_uuid=m7mu3ud1&catid=69631) beginning a process that is expected to continue at least until November. Because the work involves cranes, it can be affected by weather, and safety will take precedence over schedules.

As the work is taking place outdoors, multiple measures are in place to protect the environment and worker health by preventing the scattering of contaminated dust. Anti-scattering agents are being used to keep dust down, small pieces of rubble that can create dust are being vacuumed, and mist sprinklers are used inside the building cover in conjunction with the demolition work. A video showing these preventative measures can be seen at http://www.tepco.co.jp/en/news/library/archive-e.html?video_uuid=u4wfww6p&catid=61795.

Each of the four damaged units at Fukushima Daiichi has its own spent fuel pool. Emptying each of its fuel assemblies has been a significant objective within the larger decommissioning process. Fuel from Unit 4 was removed first because, although that building had been severely damaged by an explosion, its reactor was not in operation at the time of the accident and therefore did not meltdown.

Unit 1, on the other hand, like Units 2 and 3, did suffer meltdowns and therefore are more heavily contaminated and have provided more challenging environments in which to work. For that reason, this major step toward fuel removal represents important progress. After the wall panels are removed, pillars and beams will be taken down and new wind screens will be installed.

Fuel removal from Unit 1 spent fuel pool is scheduled to begin around March 2021, according to the Mid- and Long-Term Roadmap (revised on June 12, 2015). Until then, we will continue to prepare for the removal work prioritizing safety for both the environment and workers.

For more information about the first wall panel removal from the Unit 1 building cover, go to http://photo.tepco.co.jp/en/date/2016/201609-e/160913-01e.html

About TEPCO Group
Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, Inc. (TEPCO Holdings) is Japan's largest power company group, holding three independent business entities: TEPCO Fuel & Power, Inc., TEPCO Power Grid, Inc., and TEPCO Energy Partner, Inc. As a group, it generates, distributes, and sells electricity and other types of energy principally to the Kanto metropolitan area, which includes Japan's two most populous cities, Tokyo and Yokohama. Its 33,000 employees are committed to providing safe, reliable power to its 29 million customers as well as fulfilling its responsibilities to the communities of Fukushima. (As of April 1, 2016)
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