Disposable radioactive sludge remains
At least 130,000 tons of radioactive ash and sludge that could be disposed of along with regular waste remain in Fukushima and 4 surrounding prefectures in Japan in the wake of last year's nuclear accident.

NHK learned of this in its coverage of Fukushima and 8 nearby prefectures.

The government is responsible for disposing of radioactive ash and sludge if its level of radioactive cesium exceeds 8,000 becquerels per kilogram. Ash and sludge under that level is to be buried by municipalities along with other types of waste.

NHK's survey found that ash was continuing to pile up in 5 prefectures even though its radioactive readings fall below the level.
Fukushima Prefecture has the most at 70,000 tons, followed by Niigata Prefecture at 56,000 tons.
[link to www3.nhk.or.jp]
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