Operators of Japan's breeder reactor skipped 10,000 safety inspections - while plant offline!

[kristopher]

Monju reactor faces long-term suspension over lax safety system
By HIDEKI MUROYA/ Staff Writer

Japan’s nuclear watchdog will indefinitely suspend the use of the Monju prototype fast-breeder reactor over the operator’s disregard for safety that continued even after the Fukushima nuclear crisis raised concerns across the nation.

The Nuclear Regulation Authority's order will deal a further blow to Japan’s nuclear fuel recycling program, which has long been plagued by technical problems and scandals.

In the latest case, the Japan Atomic Energy Agency, operator of Monju, was found to have skipped inspections of nearly 10,000 pieces of equipment since 2010, including crucial devices in the safety and emergency systems at the plant, based in Tsuruga, Fukui Prefecture.

The company also violated its own safety regulations, according to the NRA.

“Even when the reactor is offline, things stand in such a state...

http://ajw.asahi.com/article/behind_news/social_affairs/AJ201305130090

[bananas]

1. "Many experts have said Monju is a basket case"

Great article by the Associated Press: http://www.democraticunderground.com/1014484126

[kristopher]

3. I'll see your AP companion article and raise you "A Moment in Irony"

Japan vows 'high safety' for Turkish reactor

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
ANKARA, Turkey--Japan has learned from the Fukushima disaster and will offer technology with the highest safety standards while building Turkey's second nuclear plant, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on May 3.

Turkey chose a Japanese-French partnership for the construction of a nuclear reactor on its Black Sea coast and a nuclear cooperation agreement was signed during Abe's visit to Ankara.

Despite being prone to earthquakes, energy-dependent Turkey declared in the wake of the Fukushima incident that it would stand firmly by plans to build three nuclear power plants.

...

... In constructing the second plant, "we are going to use first-class technology," Abe said. "We have carried our experience in nuclear safety to the highest level through lessons learned from past accidents and risks."

http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311disaster/fukushima/AJ201305040036

Cue OP.

[dixiegrrrrl]

2. which makes ya wonder about fukishima inspections.

[kristopher]

4. That implies there are doubts

I don't have doubts that they are still cutting corners, do you?