– Huge radiation spike detected at Fukushima plant — Multiple records set near workers trying to stop nuclear waste flowing into ocean — Cesium up 7,500% this week (ENENews, Jan 14, 2015):
Tokyo Electric Power Company Press Release, January 12, 2015 (Google Translation):
For pumping water groundwater observation hole No.1-12 taken on January 12, cesium 134, cesium 137, cobalt 60 and total beta value is higher as compared with the previous value, the maximum value previously is detected.
- Cesium-134: 140 Bq/L [~7,500% above Jan. 5 level; new record high]
- Cesium-137: 470 Bq/L [~7,500% above Jan. 5 level; new record high]
- Cobalt-60: 1.9 Bq/L [Quadruple previous record high set in 2013]
- ? (all beta): 15,000 Bq/L [~6,000% above Jan. 8 level; ~1,300% above previous record high]
Note that observation hole No. 1-12 is near the Unit 2 trench which is filled with thousands of tons of highly radioactive water. Tepco is attempting to seal the trench, but has failed to do so. According to page 2 of Tepco’s presentation to Japan’s Nuclear Regulatory Authority on Dec. 26, 2014 the only part of the trench that has been blocked is right next to No. 1-12 (see map on right).