During the demolition of a building in the "difficult-to-return zone" caused by the accident at TEPCO's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, it was found that steel scrap and other items that had not measured the concentration of radioactivity had been taken from the site without permission and sold to a contractor, and the Ministry of the Environment is taking measures such as consulting with the police.
In Okuma Town, Fukushima Prefecture, which is a difficult-to-return zone, decontamination and infrastructure development are being promoted ahead of the rest as a "designated reconstruction and revitalization base area."
According to the Ministry of the Environment, regarding the demolition work of the "Okuma Town Library and Folklore Museum" ordered by the government from a major general contractor, a subcontracted local civil engineering company has been decontamination and building demolition work since February. It was confirmed that it was sold to a trader.
Originally, waste generated by demolition work is collected in a designated temporary storage area, and if it meets standards such as a radioactivity concentration of 2 becquerels per kilogram, it is reused for public works, etc., but other than that, it is supposed to be stored in a dedicated facility such as an interim storage facility.
The Ministry of the Environment is conveying thorough guidance to the major general contractor who is contracting the contractor, and is consulting with the police.
At a press conference after the Cabinet meeting on March 1, Minister Ito said, "It is truly regrettable that such an incident has occurred, and the Ministry of the Environment will strongly provide guidance and supervision to ensure that it is managed appropriately."
Regarding this issue, National Public Safety Commission Chairman Matsumura said at a press conference after the Cabinet meeting on the 19th, "I am aware that the Fukushima Prefectural Police are taking necessary measures, such as interviewing contractors, and I believe that the Fukushima Prefectural Police will respond appropriately based on the law and evidence."