Press Release
Concerning Tsunami Sediment Study on Premises and in Vicinity of Hamaoka Nuclear Power Station
August 21, 2012
Chubu Electric Power Co.,Inc.
This is to announce that, in light of the Tohoku-Pacific Ocean Earthquake of March 11, 2011 and trends at the national government level, Chubu Electric Power has decided to conduct a tsunami sediment study to confirm details about tsunami occurring in the past on the premises and in the vicinity of the Hamaoka Nuclear Power Station.
Chubu Electric Power has previously conducted a survey of literature concerning tsunami as based on historical records. Moreover, the national government and a research institute have previously announced results of studies of tsunami sediment, etc., in Suruga Bay and the Enshunada coastline resulting from earthquakes along the Nankai Trough, and we have been confirming the content of these reports.
However, in light of knowledge of the Tohoku-Pacific Ocean Earthquake, the "Nankai Trough Massive Earthquake Model Study Group" of the Cabinet Office has indicated the importance of a tsunami sediment study, and the Nuclear Safety Commission has written about the necessity of a tsunami sediment study on the premises and in the vicinity of the power station in the revised version of its regulatory guide for reviewing seismic design.*
Under the circumstances, Chubu Electric Power has considered conducting a tsunami sediment study on the premises and in the vicinity of the power station, and a study plan has now been compiled. We have therefore decided to conduct the said study after coordinating as necessary with the various areas concerned.
Chubu Electric Power will endeavor to further enhance reliability by reflecting the latest knowledge of safety at the Hamaoka Nuclear Power Station.
* "Regulatory Guide for Reviewing Seismic Design of Nuclear Power Reactor Facilities (Revised Version)" at the March 14, 2012 meeting of the Special Subcommittee on Nuclear Power Safety Standards and Guidelines of the Nuclear Safety Commission.