Tokyo (Agencies): The Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) has reported a significant radioactive water leak at the Fukushima-1 nuclear power plant. On August 9, 2024, TEPCO discovered that approximately 25 tonnes of water had leaked from the spent fuel cooling system pump room and the heat exchanger room in the second reactor building. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed this information in a statement released on Thursday.
The leaked water flowed into a drain on the floor connected to the water collection pit (floor sump) located in a room on the first basement floor. TEPCO has assured that no leakage has been detected in other rooms so far. The company halted the spent fuel primary cooling pump to investigate the cause and confirmed that the pool temperature remains within the normal range, not exceeding 46 degrees Celsius (114.8 degrees Fahrenheit).
TEPCO stated that the leaked water, which remained inside the building, will be treated using its water treatment facilities.
This incident highlights ongoing challenges in managing the aftermath of the 2011 Fukushima disaster and the importance of stringent safety measures in nuclear facilities.