Japan needs more checks to assess reactor damage

Source: CCTV.com | 09-21-2007 11:42

Akira Fukushima, Deputy Director-General for Safety Examination,Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency.(File photo)

Japan's nuclear watchdog says it needs to carry out more checks at the nuclear plant damaged by July's earthquake -- before it can decide when the plant should restart. The Deputy Director of Japan's nuclear watchdog made this statement at a press conference in Vienna.

Akira Fukushima says the operator -- Tokyo Electric Power Company-- plans to open and inspect all reactors at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear plant by early November - to determine the damage caused by the July quake.

The International Atomic Energy Agency -- or IAEA -- says it is in contact with the Japanese government about sending another mission to the plant.

Fukushima says Japan has not decided whether to accept the inspection mission from IAEA, but is trying to coordinate the best timing for the team in negotiations with IAEA authorities.