"Japan's nuclear regulator says radioactive water from the crippled Fukushima power plant is probably leaking into the Pacific Ocean, a problem long suspected by experts but denied by the plant's operator."

"TOKYO -- Japan's nuclear regulator says radioactive water from the crippled Fukushima power plant is probably leaking into the Pacific Ocean, a problem long suspected by experts but denied by the plant's operator.

Officials from the Nuclear Regulation Authority said a leak is 'strongly suspected' and urged plant operator Tokyo Electric Power Co. to determine where the water may be leaking from and assess the environmental and other risks, including the impact on the food chain. The watchdog said Wednesday it would form a panel of experts to look into ways to contain the problem.

The watchdog's findings underscore TEPCO's delayed response in dealing with a problem that experts have long said existed. On Wednesday, the company continued to raise doubts about whether a leak exists."

Mari Yamaguchi reports for the Associated Press July 10, 2013. [2]

SEE ALSO:

"Japanese Nuclear Plant May Have Been Leaking for Two Years" (New York Times) [3]

"Japan Nuclear Regulator Alarmed at Fukushima Contamination Reports" (Reuters) [4]