Radioactive material dispersal prediction system proves useless (JAPAN)

[AsahinaKimi]

TOKYO —

Japan’s multi-billion-yen system for predicting the dispersal of radioactive materials has proven to be of not much help in the ongoing crisis at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, drawing sharp criticism of the government of Prime Minister Naoto Kan.

Data from the System for Prediction of Environmental Emergency Dose Information, or SPEEDI, were released only twice in the first six weeks after March 11, when the massive earthquake and tsunami crippled the nuclear plant in northeastern Japan.

In sharp contrast, some overseas research institutes made their own estimates public, although with the proviso that as the amount of radioactive materials spewed from the plant was unknown, the actual diffusive concentrations could be different.

Receiving flak, the Nuclear Safety Commission, which supervises SPEEDI, began releasing hour-by-hour data only in late April. But even so, the Japanese government’s ability to adequately use the information remains in question, experts say.

The system forms part of the disaster-prevention policy established by the commission for nuclear power facilities.

http://www.japantoday.com/category/commentary/view/radioactive-material-dispersal-prediction-system-proves-useless

[cutlassmama]

1. It has to be turned "on" for it to work, no doubt the gov't shut it "off"