Shenzhen's Daya Bay Nuclear Power Plant has been ordered to release information about future incidents including minor leaks in a more disciplined manner.
The order came on the heels of a heated discussion in Hong Kong, which was triggered by the delayed release of information about two separate minor radiation leaks at the plant late last year, the Southern Metropolis Daily reported yesterday.
Although the two incidents had no effect on the environment, nearby residents or plant staff, the delay in informing the public sparked sharp criticism and concern in Hong Kong.
The plant is on Dapeng Peninsula on the mainland, just 52 kilometers from Tsim Sha Tsui in Hong Kong.
Under the new notification mechanism, the Daya Bay Nuclear Power Operations and Management Co. must first notify the Hong Kong Nuclear Investment Co. (HKNIC) of non-urgent incidents. HKNIC holds 25 percent of the shares.
The information must include a summary and an initial assessment of the impact on the environment and public safety.
In an emergency, the plant must immediately notify the nuclear accident prevention and emergency response office in Guangdong Province. The Hong Kong government would also be updated on the incident every six hours.
(By Li Hao)
