Well in northern Japan filled with cement after arsenic found in steam

Mitsui Oil Exploration Company says it has sealed a well that had been leaking steam containing arsenic at a drilling site in Hokkaido, northern Japan.

The steam started gushing out of the well in Rankoshi Town on June 29. So far, 19 people have complained of health problems, and trees have become discolored around the drilling site for a geothermal resource survey.

The company began filling the well with pebbles and cement last Thursday after the steam outflow was sharply reduced by using cooling water. The work was completed on Monday morning.

The firm plans to hold a meeting with experts as early as next month to conduct a detailed analysis of the health and environmental impacts.

Local farmers have expressed fears about reputational damage to their products.

Mitsui Oil Exploration has apologized for causing problems and concerns for nearby residents and other parties. The company says it will continue talks with them and do all it can to resolve the issue.