Japan Press Weekly

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2012 December 5 - 11 [NUCLEAR CRISIS]

Fault under Tsuruga nuclear plant is likely active

An expert team of the Nuclear Regulation Authority said on December 10 that a fracture zone right under the Tsuruga nuclear power plant in Fukui Prefecture is likely an active fault.

NRA Chairman Tanaka Shun’ichi said, “At this point, we cannot hold safety checks for the reactors to restart.”

The investigation result indicates the possibility for the Tsuruga plant, run by Japan Atomic Power Co., to be decommissioned. It also highlights the risks of damages from earthquakes to all nuclear reactors located in Wakasa Bay of Fukui Prefecture, including the Oi plant, the only plant currently operating in Japan.

Commenting on the investigation result on the same day, Japanese Communist Party Chair Shii Kazuo pointed out that as it has become more obvious that the whole nation is now experiencing a period of greater seismic activity, Japan should steer itself in the direction of an immediate closure of all nuclear power plants.