For promoting remediation of contaminated area. Principle of remediation methods. From tests at date-city and Iitate-mura in Fukushima Prefecture

To remediate the environment contaminated by radioactive cesium emitted by the nuclear power plant accident that occurred on March 11, 2011, Radiation Safety Forum (NPO) continues investigation to find and efficient and practical method of decontamination based on Special Measures Law dealing with contamination of radioactive materials coming into force in August 2011. Various methods were examined for the evacuated area: stripping off ground surface soils, scraping the concrete or asphalt thin surface, washing out with high-pressure water streams, and removal of decontaminated objects and plants. Decontamination of residual water in the pools was also examined. Results of these tests are explained with brief description of the decontamination principle. (S. Ohno)