[단독] Even though I thought of’a nuclear leak’ 10 years ago… Han Suwon

◀ Anchor ▶

The contents of the report that radioactive materials leaked from the Wolseong nuclear power plant are delivered alone.

As a result of the MBC interview, it was confirmed that Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power had already been aware of the leak of contaminated water from the Wolseong nuclear power plant 10 years ago.

He warned himself that he’must be prepared’ but was ignored.

This is an exclusive report by reporter Rose Jum.

◀ Report ▶

The 1st Wolseong Nuclear Power Plant started commercial operation in 1983.

Since it is the second oldest nuclear power plant in Korea, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power has also periodically checked for leaks of contaminated water.

However, it was confirmed that KHNP had already known for 10 years that radioactive materials were leaking from Wolseong Nuclear Power Plant Unit 1.

In 2011, a report prepared by Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power.

The concentration of tritium measured in the SP2 underground well next to Unit 1 is stated to be a maximum of 1,864 becquerels.

KHNP said, “The concentration of tritium measured by SP2 was significantly higher than that of other points,” and “it exceeds the limit of non-drinking water of the US Atomic Energy Regulatory Commission.”

He warned himself that there was a possibility that contaminated water was leaking from the pipes or structures of Unit 1, and that special attention was needed.

[이정윤/원자력 안전과 미래 대표]

“I didn’t make an effort to properly block the leakage from the beginning, I didn’t invest in facilities properly there…I’ve been doing it so far…

These concerns have become a reality, 10 years later.

It has been confirmed that the main facilities of the Wolseong nuclear power plant cracked and contaminated in several places, and even spilled off the coast of Gyeongju.

Now, experts point out that the health of the nearby residents as well as the 3,000 workers working at the Wolseong nuclear power plant cannot be guaranteed.

[한병섭/원자력안전연구소장]

“I have to ask KHNP’s responsibility for aggravating the situation because the problems that I already knew were left for about 10 years…”

In response, KHNP stated that it is conducting inspections and repairs on spent fuel storage tanks and underground pipes, operating a groundwater monitoring program, and strengthening monitoring.

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(Video coverage: Park Joo-won/Pohang)

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