Emergency Response Bulletin No. 1 (13 March 2011 1:30 PM)
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- Japanese authorities reported to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) the explosion of two nuclear power plants in Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant on March 11, 2011 following the earthquake, affecting three nuclear reactors (Units 1, 2, and 4).
- The IAEA reported that the explosion at Unit 1 reactor at the Fukushima Daiichi plant occurred outside the primary containment vessel (PCV), not inside. The plant operator, Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), has confirmed that the integrity of the primary containment vessel remains intact.
- To limit damage to the reactor core, sea water mixed with boric acid was injected into the primary containment vessel. Boric acid absorbs neutrons to prevent reactor criticality. This measure was approved by the Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency (NISA) of Japan and the injection procedure began at 20:20 local Japan time.
- Japan has reported that four workers at Fukushima Daiichi were injured by the explosion.
- NISA have confirmed the presence of radioactive elements cesium-137 and iodine-131 in the vicinity of Fukushima Daiichi Unit 1. NISA reported an initial increase in levels of radioactivity around the plant earlier today, but these levels have been observed to lessen in recent hours.
- Containment remains intact at Fukushima Daiichi Units 1, 2 and 3. It is recalled that the design of the Fukushima reactor is different from that of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. In the event of a meltdown at Fukushima, the melted fuel is expected to stay within the stainless steel containment, preventing its release to the environment. The Chernobyl power plant did not have a reactor building concrete shield and steel containment.
- A plume trajectory study from the Fukushima site by the World Meteorological Organization based in Melbourne, Australia showed that the plume from the site of the incident will not pass the Philippine territory as of March 14, 2011.
MONITORING BY THE DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY - PHILIPPINE NUCLEAR RESEARCH INSTITUTE (DOST-PNRI)
- The DOST-PNRI routinely undertakes daily radioactivity monitoring in the environment. Based on DOST-PNRI monitoring, there has been no increase in the levels of radioactivity since the time of the Fukushima event.
- The DOST-PNRI’s National Radiological Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan puts in place an organized emergency response facility for a timely, coordinated action of the Philippine authorities in the event of a radiological emergency.
- The DOST-PNRI is closely monitoring developments at Fukushima every six hours and maintains a 24-hour link-up with the IAEA. For more detailed information on the Fukushima event, pls. call DOST-PNRI Director Alumanda dela Rosa at 929-4719 / 920-8738.
Nuclear Technology Applications to be Featured in 38th Atomic Energy Week Celebration
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Nuclear science and technology applications in agriculture, medicine, industry and the environment will be featured in activities during the 38th Atomic Energy Week (AEW) celebration on December 6 – 10, 2010 at the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) - Department of Science and Technology.
PNRI Director Alumanda dela Rosa said that the theme for this year’s AEW celebration is Accelerating Socio-Economic Development through Nuclear Science and Technology.
Representative Angelo Palmones, Vice Chairman, Committee on Science and Technology of the House of Representatives is the keynote speaker at the opening ceremonies program on December 6. The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency Dr. Yukiya Amano is the guest speaker at the closing ceremonies on December 10.
The activities slated for the 38th AEW celebration include the opening of exhibits on December 6, technical sessions for professionals and students on December 7, on-the-spot poster making and essay writing contests for high school students on December 8, video showing and guided tours from December 6 to 10.
Mutant ornamental plants, irradiated beehives and other products of nuclear science and technology applications will be part of the AEW exhibits at the PNRI during the week-long celebration.
The topics for the technical sessions on December 7 and the speakers are : “Local Availability of Technecium-99m (Tc99m) for Enhanced Nuclear Medicine Applications thru the Setting-up of the PNRI Tc99m Generator Facility” by Adelina Bulos, Head of PNRI’s Isotope Techniques Research Section; “Biofertilizers”, Juliet Anarna of the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology of the University of the Philippines in Los Banos; “Prospects of Radiation Processing Applications by Gamma and Electron Beam in the Philippines” by Dr. Lucille Abad, Head of PNRI’s Chemistry Research Section and Luvimina Lanuza, Head of Irradiation Services; and “Using Isotopic and Radiotracer Techniques in the Management of Coastal Resources in the Philippines”, Elvira Sombrito PNRI Consultant and expert of the International Atomic Energy Agency.
For those who are interested to participate in the various activities during the 38th Atomic Energy Week celebration, you may call Justina Cerbolles, PNRI Information Officer, at 920 8787 or 929 6010 to 19 extension 286.
Philippine Government National Single Window
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Calling all Traders! Apply for your import and/or export permit and clearance the easiest way! Transact at the comfort of your own home or office. Do it now!
The Philippine Government has launched the National Single Window (NSW), which is a computerized internet-based system that allows parties involved in trade to lodge information and documents with a single entry point to fulfill all import, export and transit-related regulatory requirements.
It is a Philippine Government projected mandated by Executive Order 482 and spearheaded by the Bureau of Customs. NSW is now up and operational on 27 different government agencies that facilitate trade.
To know more about NSW, please visit https://nsw.gov.ph or call NSW Helpdesk at (63 2) 5135301 to 5135302.
