Published on Wednesday, June 5, 2013 by Common Dreams

– Lucia Brown

Another leak of radioactive water has been detected at Japan's Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant according to the plant operator.  The announcement of this newest leak comes after a slew of similar incidents delayed the plant's request to release groundwater into the sea. 

(Photo: AP/Tokyo Electric Power Co.)

(Photo: AP/Tokyo Electric Power Co.)

According to the AFP, Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) reported that a worker discovered drips coming from a radioactive water storage tank.  With a drip-rate of one every three to four seconds, it's unclear how much water was leaked.  The tank is one of hundreds on the site.

On Monday TEPCO reported the detection of radioactive cesium in groundwater samples at the site, which contradicts their earlier statement which claimed the water was fine.  The New York Times reports that the original announcement was directed especially at fishermen whose approval is essential for TEPCO to proceed with their plans to release groundwater into the ocean.

Experts say that TEPCO lacks foresight, implementing temporary fixes over long-term solutions.

Lucia Brown is a summer editorial intern at Common Dreams.

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