nuclear-news

Fukushima nuclear plant is far from safe

 Still critical: radiation levels at Fukushima can kill in minutes Latest readings from tsunami-stricken nuclear plant overturn claims that reactors have been made safe The Independent, DAVID MCNEILL   TOKYO  THURSDAY 29 MARCH 2012      A lethal level of radiation has been detected inside one of the reactors at the Fukushima nuclear power plant, throwing fresh doubts over the operator’s claims that the disabled complex is under control.
…..Critics say the fresh findings illustrate the still precarious state of the complex. “The problem for Tepco is that the damage is so severe to the base of the reactor, and the amount of water is so low, that any interruption to the water pumping could be serious,” said Shaun Burnie, an independent nuclear consultant. Mr Burnie said the company must get more water on to the melted fuel and stop contamination from making its way into the environment.
The difficulties of that process were illustrated again this week when
the plant’s makeshift cooling system sprang another leak. Workers
estimate that about 80 litres of contaminated water escaped from pipes
carrying water to and from the Pacific. The build-up of toxic water is
another major headache for Tepco, as the company is running out of
space to store it.

The struggle to decommission the Daiichi plant continues as a
potentially epic battle looms between pro- and anti-nuclear forces….
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/still-critical-radiation-levels-at-fukushima-can-kill-in-minutes-7595018.html

March 29, 2012 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | Japan, safety