3,000 tonnes of radioactive waste unreported in Japan

Tokyo, March 14: A survey has found that at least 3,000 tonnes of un-designated radioactive waste from the 2011 Fukushima nuclear accident is being kept in 30 municipalities in seven prefectures in Japan.

The survey carried out by public broadcaster NHK said the governments and farmers have not reported that they are storing the waste.

The government designates, stores and disposes of rice straw and soil that are contaminated with more than 8,000 becquerels of radioactive materials per kilogram.

NHK surveyed more than 500 municipalities in eastern Japan and found that 3,114 tonnes waste is being kept in 30 municipalities in seven prefectures, including Fukushima and Tokyo, without being designated.

The government plans to investigate the actual situation of un-designated waste, and consider methods of disposal.

IANS