Japan Press Weekly

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2014 February 19 - 25 [NUCLEAR CRISIS]

Yokosuka residents demand release of information regarding nuclear facility accident

Residents of Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture, on February 18 visited a local Nuclear Regulation Authority office and demanded that it instruct a nuclear fuel factory operator to release information regarding an accident which occurred at the facility in the city.

According to the website of Global Nuclear Fuel-Japan (GNF-J), the operation of a part of a ventilation device at its nuclear fuel factory was suspended due to heavy snow on the afternoon of February 8.

It states that the accident caused no workers injuries or exposure to radiation, or release of radioactive materials.

The residents criticized both the NRA office and GNF-J for failing to issue a press release regarding the accident. It urged the NRA office to have the factory strengthen its in-house inspections.

Konno Hiroshi, representing the Yokosuka City Council against A & H Bombs (Gensuikyo), pointed out that the lack of transparency has led to increasing residents’ anxiety.