Nuclear water pool 'could spill over during earthquake'

Water used to cool used nuclear fuel at Japan's Monju nuclear reactor in Fukui prefecture is at risk of spilling over in the event of a major earthquake, according to a new study.

If an earthquake with a magnitude of seven hit the area, a maximum of 150 tonnes could leak from the plant, discovered a report from the Japan Atomic Energy Agency.

The research, which concentrated on the possible effects of an earthquake on the plant, was submitted to the country's ministry for economy, trade and industry last week.

"There is not a great danger from the water itself, but there is a fault with the design for the water to splash over," said professor Hitoshi Yoshioka of Kyushu University.

He continued that "bigger problems could emerge" from "proceeding with earthquake resistance revisions".

In 1995, a sodium leak and ensuing fire occurred at the plant, causing it to be closed down until further notice.