Preparation for Fukushima Nuclear Plant Contaminated Water Discharge... Environmental Radioactivity Survey in Waters Around Uljin County

Uljin-gun, Gyeongbuk Province (Governor Son Byeong-bok) conducted an environmental radioactivity survey in the surrounding sea areas of Uljin-gun on the 17th, in preparation for the discharge of radioactive contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant in Japan, in collaboration with the Hanul Nuclear Power Plant Environmental Monitoring Center.

Uljin County is conducting environmental radioactivity surveys in the surrounding waters using a fisheries patrol vessel.

Using the Uljin-gun fishery guidance vessel (Gyeongbuk No. 205), seawater was collected from major local sea areas, Osan and Hupo. Since 2020, periodic surveys in the same areas have detected trace amounts of the artificial radionuclide cesium (Cs-137) at concentrations ranging from 1.02 to 2.48 mBq/kg, which is evaluated to be at levels commonly detected in domestic coastal waters. No other artificial radionuclides were detected.

The analysis results of the samples collected today will be disclosed later on the Hanul Nuclear Power Plant Environmental Monitoring Center’s website.

The Korea Institute of Nuclear Safety reported that the concentration range of cesium (Cs-137) in surface seawater at 22 locations nationwide was 0.892 to 2.55 mBq/kg (Source: 2021 Marine Environment Radioactivity Survey Report).

An official from Uljin-gun stated, “This survey is based on scientifically established data to verify the impact of Fukushima nuclear power plant contaminated water on the marine environment and to respond effectively. We will continue marine radioactivity monitoring to strive for the environmental preservation of clean Uljin.”