◀ anchor ▶
However, as a result of the MBC coverage, it was confirmed that radioactively contaminated water was continuously leaking from the Wolseong Nuclear Power Plant Unit 1 in Gyeongju.
It is a fatal situation where there are concerns regarding radiation leakage and further accidents.
After more than a year of investigation by the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission, the nuclear power plant’s internal condition turned out to be far worse than the results it had published.
Reporter Jang Mi Bum will deliver the video that MBC exclusively secured.
◀ Report ▶
This is the outer wall of the spent nuclear fuel storage tank at the Wolseong Unit 1 in Gyeongju.
Cracks were found in the bottom area, and water was constantly flowing through the cracks.
The worker dries it with a hair dryer and wipes it with a towel, but to no avail.
The crack occurred around the point where the repair work was done in 1997, and as a result of the measurement, 7 liters of radioactively contaminated water was flowing out every day.
[이정윤/원자력 안전과 미래 대표]
“Leaking through the crack on the outside means that the leak has already progressed and there is a leaking passage in the wall.”
Even worse is the interior of the spent fuel storage tank, where high-level nuclear waste is stored.
Even with the naked eye, cracks and cracks are found everywhere.
The epoxy liner painted with the waterproof film was completely cracked and tattered, and the epoxy film on the wall was completely swollen.
[한병섭/원자력안전연구소장]
“It’s such an important facility with spent nuclear fuel in it, and it’s unbelievable that such a water-repellent structure in this facility, the epoxy cracks and water seeps through. It’s an unbelievable fact.”
In the interim announcement of the Wolseong Nuclear Power Plant tritium investigation team of the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission, it was reported that the surface cracks and swelling of the epoxy were confirmed.
However, it is pointed out that the scale has been reduced from the actual situation.
[장마리/그린피스 캠페이너]
“We have no choice but to raise a question as to whether the investigation team’s investigation process has been transparent so far.”
The coolant in the tank where the spent nuclear fuel is stored contains dangerous radioactive substances ranging from trillions of becquerels, such as tritium and gamma nuclides.
[박종운/동국대 원자력공학과 교수]
“It’s pathetic that it’s being managed in such a mess that it makes you wonder what the epoxy was used for. I can’t talk regarding it technically anymore, it’s…”
In response, the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission said that it already knew regarding the video and photos, and that it was not included in the announcement due to an internal agreement.
He also said that he did not downsize the actual situation and that appropriate measures were being taken.
This is MBC News Jang Mi Bum.
Video coverage: Noh Young-seok / Pohang
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