In March of 2023, Tepco, the operator of the decommissioned Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, discovered corroded tanks during a routine inspection. These tanks, which are used to store treated radioactive water, had peeling paint and showed signs of corrosion. The company has stated that the structural integrity of the tanks is not compromised and that no leaks have been reported.
Despite this discovery, some older tanks installed over a decade ago have become outdated and are showing signs of corrosion. Tepco plans to continue inspecting all tanks on the premises to ensure their safety and prevent any potential leaks.
The decommissioning process of Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant is ongoing but is expected to take several decades. In August 2023, Tepco started releasing treated wastewater into the sea, despite opposition from local fishermen and China. According to Tepco and the IAEA, all radioactive elements, except for tritium, have been filtered out of the water. Tritium is present in negligible amounts and is considered harmless by these authorities.
Inspections of tanks containing treated water are carried out annually to detect any abnormalities since it is impossible to inspect their interiors without the use of underwater robots. This discovery highlights the importance of continued monitoring and maintenance of these tanks to ensure their safety and prevent any potential leaks or accidents at the plant.