JCP finds out about 14-year long cover-up at TEPCO's nuclear reactor

The Japanese Communist Party has found that the Tokyo Electric Power Co. (TEPCO) was keeping secret for 14 years cracks on pipes in reactors of its Fukushima No.1 nuclear power station and has continued operation without reporting to the government or taking appropriate steps for repair.

This crack is not included in the reports on troubles the Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency has announced that TEPCO has so far covered up.

JCP House of Representatives Member Yoshii Hidekatsu, as the JCP Dietmembers Group Investigation Team Head making on-the-spot inspection in the Fukushima No.1 nuclear power station on August 29, found out about the crack. He asked the Agency to ascertain the fact and received a report on September 14.

The Agency in the report said that the crack was so slight that it is easily removed when its surface is polished and that it is not necessary to report such a small thing as trouble.

Yoshii argued that the Agency's report is nonsense because the thickness of the pipe was only 1.9 millimeters due to the crack although the national standards require it to be 3 millimeters.

"The Agency's report has made it clear that TEPCO has failed to report the trouble to the government and the number of cover-ups are more than 29 that have so far been announced. The government and electric companies must make public all problems of safety in nuclear power plants," he said. (end)