Active faults run directly beneath N-power plants in Japan

Japan Press Weekly

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Active faults run directly beneath N-power plants in Japan

“No other country has nuclear power plants constructed right above active earthquake faults.”

Sato Hitoshi, a Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency official, stated this in answer to a question by Japanese Communist Party representative Yoshii Hidekatsu at the House of Representatives Cabinet Committee meeting on April 4.

Yoshii pointed out that active faults that can cause earthquakes run directly beneath the Japan Atomic Power Company’s Tsuruga plant, Kansai Electric Power Co.’s Mihama plant, and Japan Atomic Energy Agency’s fast breeder reactor “Monju,” all located in Fukui Prefecture.

He demanded that the government disapprove the plan to install two more reactors in the Tsuruga plant as well as the resumption of operation of “Monju,” which has been suspended due to a serious accident.

Power companies had also reported to the government that active faults run right under or very close to many nuclear power plants.

Yoshii asked, “Are there any countries other than Japan that have nuclear power plants constructed on active faults?”

Sato answered, “There is one in the United States, constructed about five kilometers away from an active fault.” But he added, “None of nuclear power plants are located as close to active faults like Japan.”

- Akahata, April 5, 2008