The controlled release of 10,000 tons (which is 2.57 million gallons) of contaminated water has started. The leak of highly radioactive water has been traced to a cracked pipe. The water is finding its way through gravel then out a crack in a cement wall into the ocean. TEPCO is injecting a resin into the gravel which has reduced the flow of water out the crack. We are concerned that this approach may stop the water from flowing out the crack, but the water will find another path into the ground below the plant which would be a worse problem. While releasing radioactivity into the ocean is bad, the dilution factor tremendously reduces the immediate problem. The future problem will be whether the radioactive isotopes like Cesium-137 concentrate in the food chain. Small fish have been caught with a Cesium-137 amount 5% over the acceptable limit, so fisheries have to suspend catching the sand lance. Predator fish will consume the sand lance, which will concentrate the Cesium-137 in these larger fish. With a 30 year half life, the Cesium-137 will be around for quit awhile.
In an attempt to control the radioactive particles flowing from the plant, TEPCO is considering erecting silt barriers in the ocean.
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