IF YOU WATCH ONE VIDEO ON THE CURRENT STATE OF THE JAPAN NUCLEAR REACTORS, I ENCOURAGE YOU TO WATCH THIS:
From Video: "Clearly we are witnessing one of the greatest disasters of Modern Times".
Closing Ranks: Arnie Gunderson, Nuclear Expert, Confirms That The NRC, the Nuclear Industry, and TEPCO are Limiting the Flow of Information
In this brief video, Arnie Gundersen discusses inconstencies between what the NRC, TEPCO, and the Nuclear Industry are saying privately and publicly. Documents from the French nuclear firm, Areva, and the NRC reveal what the industry knows about the Fukushima disaster.
We are not being given the TRUTH about what is really happening in Japan. One reliable source is Arnie Gunderson - His credentials within the Nuclear field are indisputable. This is what he had to say on June 6, 2011. Seriously, you need to watch this. There are things we can do to protect ourselves from "hot" radiation particles.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJ2h0hWRmWc
http://fairewinds.com/content/closing-ranks-nrc-nuclear-industry-and-tepco-are-limiting-flow-information
Showing posts with label Nuclear Melt Through. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nuclear Melt Through. Show all posts
Thursday, June 9, 2011
"DON'T WORRY - BE HAPPY!" - Fukushima Reactors Are Melting THROUGH - And Our Government Continues To Tell Us That WE DO NOT NEED TO BE PREPARED - What Is Going On?
JAPAN NUCLEAR MELT-THROUGH EMERGENCY: Fukushima Beyond Point Of No Return As Radioactive Core Melts Through Containment Vessels
The battle to save the Fukushima nuclear power plant now appears lost as molten nuclear fuel in three reactors at the Fukushima Daiichi power plant is confirmed to have burned through pressure vessels, not just the cores, Japan has said in a report in which it also acknowledges it was unprepared for an accident of the severity of Fukushima.
The only feasible interpretation from this analysis is that radiation emissions from Fukushima could suddenly become much greater. It is also now obvious that the radioactive fallout from Fukushima will last for decades, if not centuries.
Japan’s Prime Minister Naoto Kan admitted recently that the situation at Fukushima remains “unpredictable.” Meanwhile, the presence of plutonium in soil samples is proof that the nuclear fuel rods have been compromised and are releasing material into the open atmosphere.
"BUT DON'T WORRY - AND DON'T PREPARE"
How many times were we told over the last several weeks that the Fukushima situation was solved? How many times were we assured there was “no danger” to the world? President Obama even went out of his way to tell Americans they should not prepare for anything, since there was nothing to worry about.
Don’t acquire any potassium iodide, people were told. The situation is completely under control and nuclear power is safe, clean and green!
That’s the GE spin machine talking, of course, and I don’t mean the spin cycle on your rusty old washing machine. It’s the network of corporate lies that has characterized the nuclear power industry for at least the last three decades. And now those lies are coming back to haunt us all.
Just listen to Arnie Gunderson from his CNN interview June 7th - BEFORE the Melt-Through was officially confirmed. Arnie has been trying to get the word out ever since the accident in March 2011. But he was derided by most in the Nuclear Energy "Business" and his assessment was ridiculed and dismissed. AND HE WAS RIGHT ALL ALONG! And rest assured, now that we know there is a Melt-Through going on, it is bound to get even worse than this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=bXhNDgRkrd0
WHAT'S NEXT: RADIOACTIVE GAS
So what happens now that the fuel core from three reactors appears to have burned its way through the containment vessels and dropped through the concrete floor? It follows the laws of physics, of course: The super-heated nuclear fuel reacts with the concrete material in the floor, producing highly radioactive gas which will now is escaping into the atmosphere as it leaks through the outer containment wall.
So we may be looking at a situation right now where there is nothing in the way of a massive release of radioactive gas from Fukushima. It all has the makings of a ticking (dirty) time bomb (see this video to learn more). ttp://thetruthabout1111awakeningcode.blogspot.com/2011/05/japan-ticking-time-bomb-watch.html
"WHEN SHOULD AMERICANS ACTUALLY START TO PREPARE? - NEVER!"
It makes you wonder: At what point will the worsening situation in Fukushima cross the threshold of President Obama’s resistance to urge Americans to take prudent precautions against the possibility of serious radioactive fallout? The policy in Washington today seems to be that no event is serious enough to warrant preparedness actions among the American people. I guess they want to keep us locked into our collective "Consensus Trance" (C. Tart), obliviously consuming.
Our Nobel Peace Prize-winning President seems to be too busy declaring illegal wars in Libya to spend even five minutes urging people on the West Coast to take sensible precautions against the increasing possibility of increased radiation exposure.
That’s what the alternative press is for, of course: Bringing people the news and information they won’t get from “official” sources that have strong financial ties to the nuclear power industry. While Obama tells Americans to do nothing, I am urging Americans to take basic preparedness precautions to be ready for any event the world may throw our way.
PREPAREDNESS IS A RARITY IN MODERN CITIES
As the citizens of Japan have recently learned the hard way, virtually no one has any extra stored water, food or medicine in the cities these days. Very few people are prepared for even small disruptions in basic infrastructure and supply lines. The average American living in a city today would die in less than 7 days if cut off from the grid supply of food and water. Their entire preparedness plan is to “trust the government” - NOT A BRIGHT IDEA.
That’s what the Japanese people did, too. And now they’re paying for that misplaced trust with what may soon become the most catastrophic nuclear disaster in the history of human civilization.
It is now clear that the Fukushima nuclear complex is going to emit radiation for a very, very long time. There is also the possibility of more explosions as these reactors melt "through" into the core of the earth. Meaning, even burying the Fukushima facility under millions of tons of concrete and sand will not end the destruction that is going to last for possibly hundreds and hundreds of years. In fact, Dr. Helen Caldicott says that Japan itself may become "uninhabitable". To see video of Dr. Caldicott discussing the disaster in Japan a few weeks ago, go here - And remember, it is much worse now:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D36BsSQY29U
A reader of my blog writes the following about the current Melt-Through status of 3 reactors in Fukushima, Japan:
"Meltdown in a nuclear plant has never happened on this scale. Think of it as a gigantic 'plug' of radiated earth and debris plunging downward into the earth from the site. Likely there will be other such 'plugs' (think in terms of a gigantic cork (hardened and destructive)or radioactive drill. I am using these basic metaphors to give a better description to the average reader of what is taking place. At one time, it was known as the "China Syndrome" theory of what might happen when a true n-plant implosion (not explosion) might happen. We do not know how far this 'boring' may go, but Japan will begin to see more and more sea water sprouting from 'holes' throughout the island. Japan is literally being 'drilled' through by this irradiated earth and debris. It is tragic and serious, not only for Japan but for all of the earth and the oceans. Chernoble pales in comparison". - G.S. (personal communication, 2011)
HOW DO YOU BURY FUKUSHIMA FOR GOOD?
The problem is that there’s not even enough concrete in Japan to handle the job. To accomplish such a task, Japan would have to import not only thousands of pieces of industrial concrete-handling trucks and machinery; it would also have to import concrete materials by the ship-load. We’re talking about millions of tons of concrete materials, shipped in by ocean, from all over the world.
Has anybody done the math on how long that will take to coordinate? Just getting the materials shipped to Japan within 30 days would be a miracle. And you can’t just plop down concrete and hope it sticks: You have to engineer the concrete effort so that it can resist future tsunamis and earthquakes. Normally, this would be at least a five-year project.
Essentially, you have to build a whole new massive concrete containment structure on top of the existing nuclear complex. And remember: It was the corruption and cover-ups from the first such engineering project that helped cause this situation in the first place!
And even if it were covered up - This will not solve the issue of radioactive liquid melting into our earth's core, poisoning our seas, destroying wild-life, and irrevocably negatively impacting our entire food chain.
That’s why this situation in Fukushima looks a lot more like Fubar than Fukushima. Fubar, of course, is an endearing snippet from American slang which means “don’t worry; the government is here to save you!” AKA "Don't worry - Be happy."
Yeah. Right.
This story partially sourced from: NaturalNews http://www.infiniteunknown.net/2011/03/30/japan-nuclear-meltdown-emergency-fukushima-beyond-point-of-no-return-as-radioactive-core-melts-through-containment-vessel/
The battle to save the Fukushima nuclear power plant now appears lost as molten nuclear fuel in three reactors at the Fukushima Daiichi power plant is confirmed to have burned through pressure vessels, not just the cores, Japan has said in a report in which it also acknowledges it was unprepared for an accident of the severity of Fukushima.
The only feasible interpretation from this analysis is that radiation emissions from Fukushima could suddenly become much greater. It is also now obvious that the radioactive fallout from Fukushima will last for decades, if not centuries.
Japan’s Prime Minister Naoto Kan admitted recently that the situation at Fukushima remains “unpredictable.” Meanwhile, the presence of plutonium in soil samples is proof that the nuclear fuel rods have been compromised and are releasing material into the open atmosphere.
"BUT DON'T WORRY - AND DON'T PREPARE"
How many times were we told over the last several weeks that the Fukushima situation was solved? How many times were we assured there was “no danger” to the world? President Obama even went out of his way to tell Americans they should not prepare for anything, since there was nothing to worry about.
Don’t acquire any potassium iodide, people were told. The situation is completely under control and nuclear power is safe, clean and green!
That’s the GE spin machine talking, of course, and I don’t mean the spin cycle on your rusty old washing machine. It’s the network of corporate lies that has characterized the nuclear power industry for at least the last three decades. And now those lies are coming back to haunt us all.
Just listen to Arnie Gunderson from his CNN interview June 7th - BEFORE the Melt-Through was officially confirmed. Arnie has been trying to get the word out ever since the accident in March 2011. But he was derided by most in the Nuclear Energy "Business" and his assessment was ridiculed and dismissed. AND HE WAS RIGHT ALL ALONG! And rest assured, now that we know there is a Melt-Through going on, it is bound to get even worse than this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=bXhNDgRkrd0
WHAT'S NEXT: RADIOACTIVE GAS
So what happens now that the fuel core from three reactors appears to have burned its way through the containment vessels and dropped through the concrete floor? It follows the laws of physics, of course: The super-heated nuclear fuel reacts with the concrete material in the floor, producing highly radioactive gas which will now is escaping into the atmosphere as it leaks through the outer containment wall.
So we may be looking at a situation right now where there is nothing in the way of a massive release of radioactive gas from Fukushima. It all has the makings of a ticking (dirty) time bomb (see this video to learn more). ttp://thetruthabout1111awakeningcode.blogspot.com/2011/05/japan-ticking-time-bomb-watch.html
"WHEN SHOULD AMERICANS ACTUALLY START TO PREPARE? - NEVER!"
It makes you wonder: At what point will the worsening situation in Fukushima cross the threshold of President Obama’s resistance to urge Americans to take prudent precautions against the possibility of serious radioactive fallout? The policy in Washington today seems to be that no event is serious enough to warrant preparedness actions among the American people. I guess they want to keep us locked into our collective "Consensus Trance" (C. Tart), obliviously consuming.
Our Nobel Peace Prize-winning President seems to be too busy declaring illegal wars in Libya to spend even five minutes urging people on the West Coast to take sensible precautions against the increasing possibility of increased radiation exposure.
That’s what the alternative press is for, of course: Bringing people the news and information they won’t get from “official” sources that have strong financial ties to the nuclear power industry. While Obama tells Americans to do nothing, I am urging Americans to take basic preparedness precautions to be ready for any event the world may throw our way.
PREPAREDNESS IS A RARITY IN MODERN CITIES
As the citizens of Japan have recently learned the hard way, virtually no one has any extra stored water, food or medicine in the cities these days. Very few people are prepared for even small disruptions in basic infrastructure and supply lines. The average American living in a city today would die in less than 7 days if cut off from the grid supply of food and water. Their entire preparedness plan is to “trust the government” - NOT A BRIGHT IDEA.
That’s what the Japanese people did, too. And now they’re paying for that misplaced trust with what may soon become the most catastrophic nuclear disaster in the history of human civilization.
It is now clear that the Fukushima nuclear complex is going to emit radiation for a very, very long time. There is also the possibility of more explosions as these reactors melt "through" into the core of the earth. Meaning, even burying the Fukushima facility under millions of tons of concrete and sand will not end the destruction that is going to last for possibly hundreds and hundreds of years. In fact, Dr. Helen Caldicott says that Japan itself may become "uninhabitable". To see video of Dr. Caldicott discussing the disaster in Japan a few weeks ago, go here - And remember, it is much worse now:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D36BsSQY29U
A reader of my blog writes the following about the current Melt-Through status of 3 reactors in Fukushima, Japan:
"Meltdown in a nuclear plant has never happened on this scale. Think of it as a gigantic 'plug' of radiated earth and debris plunging downward into the earth from the site. Likely there will be other such 'plugs' (think in terms of a gigantic cork (hardened and destructive)or radioactive drill. I am using these basic metaphors to give a better description to the average reader of what is taking place. At one time, it was known as the "China Syndrome" theory of what might happen when a true n-plant implosion (not explosion) might happen. We do not know how far this 'boring' may go, but Japan will begin to see more and more sea water sprouting from 'holes' throughout the island. Japan is literally being 'drilled' through by this irradiated earth and debris. It is tragic and serious, not only for Japan but for all of the earth and the oceans. Chernoble pales in comparison". - G.S. (personal communication, 2011)
HOW DO YOU BURY FUKUSHIMA FOR GOOD?
The problem is that there’s not even enough concrete in Japan to handle the job. To accomplish such a task, Japan would have to import not only thousands of pieces of industrial concrete-handling trucks and machinery; it would also have to import concrete materials by the ship-load. We’re talking about millions of tons of concrete materials, shipped in by ocean, from all over the world.
Has anybody done the math on how long that will take to coordinate? Just getting the materials shipped to Japan within 30 days would be a miracle. And you can’t just plop down concrete and hope it sticks: You have to engineer the concrete effort so that it can resist future tsunamis and earthquakes. Normally, this would be at least a five-year project.
Essentially, you have to build a whole new massive concrete containment structure on top of the existing nuclear complex. And remember: It was the corruption and cover-ups from the first such engineering project that helped cause this situation in the first place!
And even if it were covered up - This will not solve the issue of radioactive liquid melting into our earth's core, poisoning our seas, destroying wild-life, and irrevocably negatively impacting our entire food chain.
That’s why this situation in Fukushima looks a lot more like Fubar than Fukushima. Fubar, of course, is an endearing snippet from American slang which means “don’t worry; the government is here to save you!” AKA "Don't worry - Be happy."
Yeah. Right.
This story partially sourced from: NaturalNews http://www.infiniteunknown.net/2011/03/30/japan-nuclear-meltdown-emergency-fukushima-beyond-point-of-no-return-as-radioactive-core-melts-through-containment-vessel/
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
THREE REACTORS IN JAPAN Are Apparently IMPLODING: There Is Now A "CHINA SYNDROME" SITUATION IN Fukushima - It Seems The News Outlets Don't Want To Share This With You - BUT CNN AND JOHN KING DID! Hear THE TRUTH From Arnie Gunderson, Nuclear Specialist, About What Is REALLY Happening In Japan
To see my original report on the Nuclear Melt-THROUGH in Japan, go here http://thetruthabout1111awakeningcode.blogspot.com/2011/06/nuclear-melt-through-in-japan-yes-not.html
To see video about what has REALLY been happening with the reactors in Japan the past 3 months, go to the link below to see Arnie Gunderson speaking with John King on CNN last night about the Melt-DOWN situation that Arnie has been trying to let people know about. Let's hope John King has the courage to go forward and confirm the Melt-THROUGH with Arnie ASAP (I will attempt to find new posts from Arnie Gunderson and post them when I can):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXhNDgRkrd0&feature=player_embedded
A reader of my blog writes the following about the current Melt-Through status of 3 reactors in Fukushima, Japan:
"Meltdown in a nuclear plant has never happened on this scale. Think of it as a gigantic 'plug' of radiated earth and debris plunging downward into the earth from the site. Likely there will be other such 'plugs' (think in terms of a gigantic cork (hardened and destructive)or radioactive drill. I am using these basic metaphors to give a better description to the average reader of what is taking place. At one time, it was known as the "China Syndrome" theory of what might happen when a true n-plant implosion (not explosion) might happen. We do not know how far this 'boring' may go, but Japan will begin to see more and more sea water sprouting from 'holes' throughout the island. Japan is literally being 'drilled' through by this irradiated earth and debris. It is tragic and serious, not only for Japan but for all of the earth and the oceans. Chernoble pales in comparison". - G.S. (personal communication, 2011)
So, let's take a look at what this might mean. Because apparently, no news center in the United States is willing to:
CHINA SYNDROME
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The China Syndrome is a term invented to describe one possible result of a severe nuclear meltdown in which molten reactor core components penetrate their containment vessel and building. The term is misleading, since molten material from such an event could not melt through the crust of the Earth nor reach China from USA.
Nuclear power plants ordered during the late 1960s raised safety questions and created fears that a severe reactor accident could release large quantities of radioactive material into the environment. In the early 1970s, a controversy arose regarding the ability of emergency cooling systems to prevent a core meltdown. This issue was discussed in the popular media and technical journals.
In 1971, nuclear physicist Ralph Lapp used the term China syndrome to describe a possible burn-through, following a loss of coolant accident of the reactor containment structures and the subsequent escape of radioactive material into the environment. His statements were based on the report of a task force of nuclear physicists headed by W. K. Ergen, published in 1967.[4] The dangers of such a hypothetical accident were popularized by the 1979 film, The China Syndrome.
The name itself comes from the mistaken idea that, to many Americans, "the other side of the world" is China.
The term "China Syndrome" refers to a possible result of a catastrophic meltdown of a nuclear reactor. Also called a loss of coolant accident, the scenario begins when something causes the coolant level in a reactor vessel to drop, uncovering part—or all—of the fuel element assemblies. Even if the nuclear chain reaction has been stopped through use of control rods or other devices, the fuel continues to produce significant residual heat for a number of days due to further decay of fission products. If not properly cooled, the fuel assemblies may soften and melt, falling to the bottom of the reactor vessel. There, without neutron-absorbing control rods to prevent it, nuclear fission could resume but, in the absence of a neutron moderator, might not. Regardless, without adequate cooling, the temperature of the molten fuel could increase to the point where it melts through the structures containing it. Although many[who?] feel the radioactive slag would stop at or before the underlying soil, such a series of events could release radioactive material into the atmosphere and ground, potentially causing damage to the local environment's plant and animal life. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China_Syndrome
LOCAL effects only? I don't think so. This is very, very grim. Those of you who may, like me, be absolutely dumbfounded that this is not being covered by our News outlets here in the United States, consider writing your local, state, and federal representatives, along with your preferred News Media outlets.
To see video about what has REALLY been happening with the reactors in Japan the past 3 months, go to the link below to see Arnie Gunderson speaking with John King on CNN last night about the Melt-DOWN situation that Arnie has been trying to let people know about. Let's hope John King has the courage to go forward and confirm the Melt-THROUGH with Arnie ASAP (I will attempt to find new posts from Arnie Gunderson and post them when I can):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXhNDgRkrd0&feature=player_embedded
A reader of my blog writes the following about the current Melt-Through status of 3 reactors in Fukushima, Japan:
"Meltdown in a nuclear plant has never happened on this scale. Think of it as a gigantic 'plug' of radiated earth and debris plunging downward into the earth from the site. Likely there will be other such 'plugs' (think in terms of a gigantic cork (hardened and destructive)or radioactive drill. I am using these basic metaphors to give a better description to the average reader of what is taking place. At one time, it was known as the "China Syndrome" theory of what might happen when a true n-plant implosion (not explosion) might happen. We do not know how far this 'boring' may go, but Japan will begin to see more and more sea water sprouting from 'holes' throughout the island. Japan is literally being 'drilled' through by this irradiated earth and debris. It is tragic and serious, not only for Japan but for all of the earth and the oceans. Chernoble pales in comparison". - G.S. (personal communication, 2011)
So, let's take a look at what this might mean. Because apparently, no news center in the United States is willing to:
CHINA SYNDROME
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The China Syndrome is a term invented to describe one possible result of a severe nuclear meltdown in which molten reactor core components penetrate their containment vessel and building. The term is misleading, since molten material from such an event could not melt through the crust of the Earth nor reach China from USA.
Nuclear power plants ordered during the late 1960s raised safety questions and created fears that a severe reactor accident could release large quantities of radioactive material into the environment. In the early 1970s, a controversy arose regarding the ability of emergency cooling systems to prevent a core meltdown. This issue was discussed in the popular media and technical journals.
In 1971, nuclear physicist Ralph Lapp used the term China syndrome to describe a possible burn-through, following a loss of coolant accident of the reactor containment structures and the subsequent escape of radioactive material into the environment. His statements were based on the report of a task force of nuclear physicists headed by W. K. Ergen, published in 1967.[4] The dangers of such a hypothetical accident were popularized by the 1979 film, The China Syndrome.
The name itself comes from the mistaken idea that, to many Americans, "the other side of the world" is China.
The term "China Syndrome" refers to a possible result of a catastrophic meltdown of a nuclear reactor. Also called a loss of coolant accident, the scenario begins when something causes the coolant level in a reactor vessel to drop, uncovering part—or all—of the fuel element assemblies. Even if the nuclear chain reaction has been stopped through use of control rods or other devices, the fuel continues to produce significant residual heat for a number of days due to further decay of fission products. If not properly cooled, the fuel assemblies may soften and melt, falling to the bottom of the reactor vessel. There, without neutron-absorbing control rods to prevent it, nuclear fission could resume but, in the absence of a neutron moderator, might not. Regardless, without adequate cooling, the temperature of the molten fuel could increase to the point where it melts through the structures containing it. Although many[who?] feel the radioactive slag would stop at or before the underlying soil, such a series of events could release radioactive material into the atmosphere and ground, potentially causing damage to the local environment's plant and animal life. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China_Syndrome
LOCAL effects only? I don't think so. This is very, very grim. Those of you who may, like me, be absolutely dumbfounded that this is not being covered by our News outlets here in the United States, consider writing your local, state, and federal representatives, along with your preferred News Media outlets.
NUCLEAR Melt-THROUGH In JAPAN! - This Is FAR WORSE THAN A Melt DOWN - So WHY AREN'T WE HEARING ABOUT THIS ON OUR MAINSTREAM NEWS?
NOTE TO READERS: If anyone reading this has information regarding what exactly may be the consequences of a Nuclear Melt-THROUGH, please write me at: thetruthabout11.11@gmail.com.
An official 750 page report, which Japan will submit to the UN's nuclear watchdog, says nuclear fuel in three reactors at Fukushima has possibly melted through the pressure vessels and accumulated in outer containment vessels.
Possibly? Come on! Given the history of secrecy surrounding what has REALLY been going on with the reactors in Fukushima, I am convinced that if Japan says that the situation "may" have gone beyond a meltdown, IT ALREADY HAS.
So what does it mean that the reactors are in fact "melting through"? I did a google search, and I can't even find the term. It is not on Wikipedia either. We are in unknown territory, my friends. But I know one thing. This is NOT GOOD. In fact, I am quite sure it is VERY, VERY BAD.
Article from Guardian UK: Fukushima nuclear plant may have suffered 'melt-through', Japan admits Fuel rods have probably breached containment vessels – a more serious scenario than core meltdown – according to report http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/jun/08/fukushima-nuclear-plant-melt-through
Molten nuclear fuel in three reactors at the Fukushima Daiichi power plant is likely to have burned through pressure vessels, not just the cores, Japan has said in a report in which it also acknowledges it was unprepared for an accident of the severity of Fukushima.
It is the first time Japanese authorities have admitted the possibility that the fuel suffered "melt-through" – a more serious scenario than a core meltdown.
The report, which is to be submitted to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said fuel rods in reactors No 1, 2 and 3 had probably not only melted, but also breached their inner containment vessels and accumulated in the outer steel containment vessels.
The plant's operator, Tokyo Electric Power (Tepco), says it believes the molten fuel is being cooled by water that has built up in the bottom of the three reactor buildings.
The report includes an apology to the international community for the nuclear crisis – the world's worst since Chernobyl in 1986 – and expresses "remorse that this accident has raised concerns around the world about the safety of nuclear power generation".
The prime minister, Naoto Kan, said: "Above all, it is most important to inform the international community with thorough transparency in order for us to regain its confidence in Japan."
The report comes a day after Japan's nuclear safety agency said the amount of radiation that leaked from Fukushima Daiichi in the first week of the accident may have been more than double that initially estimated by Tepco.
The 750-page report, compiled by Japan's emergency nuclear task force, concedes that the country was wrongfooted by the severity of the accident, which occurred after the plant was struck by waves more than 14 metres high following the earthquake on 11 March.
"We are taking very seriously the fact that consistent preparation for severe accidents was insufficient," the report said. "In light of the lessons learned from the accident, Japan has recognised that a fundamental revision of its nuclear safety preparedness and response is inevitable."
The nuclear task force's head, Goshi Hosono, said Tepco had failed to adequately protect plant workers early on in the crisis, and had provided inadequate information about radiation leaks.
About 7,800 workers had been involved in the battle to stabilise the plant as of late May, the report said. While their average exposure dose was well within safe limits, "a certain number" may have been exposed to more than 250 millisieverts per year, the maximum allowable dose under revised government guidelines for Fukushima workers.
The report acknowledged that bureaucratic red tape, and the division of responsibilities across several government agencies, had hampered the response to the accident.
It said the government would separate the country's nuclear safety watchdog from the trade and industry ministry, a recommendation made earlier this month by a team of experts from the IAEA.
The trade and industry minister, Banri Kaieda, said Japan would share all available data and co-operate with the IAEA. "Our country bears a serious responsibility to provide data to the international community with maximum transparency, and to actively contribute to nuclear safety," he said.
The most urgent problem facing workers at Fukushima Daiichi is how to deal with vast quantities of highly radioactive water that has accumulated in reactor buildings and basements and in ditches.
The estimated 100,000 tonnes of contaminated liquid – runoff from water used to douse overheating reactors – is hampering efforts to repair the plant's cooling systems.
Tepco has said it hopes to have a system in place by the middle of the month to remove radioactive substances from the water, enabling it to be reused to cool reactors.
SAME STORY FROM ABC AUSTRALIA: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/06/08/3238720.htm?section=world
For the first time, Japanese authorities have suggested the situation at the Fukushima nuclear plant may have gone beyond a meltdown.
An official report, which Japan will submit to the UN's nuclear watchdog, says nuclear fuel in three reactors at Fukushima has possibly melted through the pressure vessels and accumulated in outer containment vessels.
Japan's Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper says this "melt-through" is far worse than a core meltdown, and is the worst possibility in a nuclear accident.
This is the first official admission that a "melt-through" may have occurred.
In the report, Japan also admits it was unprepared for the scale of the Fukushima disaster, which struck after a devastating earthquake and tsunami in March.
The report also acknowledges there was insufficient communication between the government and the plant's operator.
An official 750 page report, which Japan will submit to the UN's nuclear watchdog, says nuclear fuel in three reactors at Fukushima has possibly melted through the pressure vessels and accumulated in outer containment vessels.
Possibly? Come on! Given the history of secrecy surrounding what has REALLY been going on with the reactors in Fukushima, I am convinced that if Japan says that the situation "may" have gone beyond a meltdown, IT ALREADY HAS.
So what does it mean that the reactors are in fact "melting through"? I did a google search, and I can't even find the term. It is not on Wikipedia either. We are in unknown territory, my friends. But I know one thing. This is NOT GOOD. In fact, I am quite sure it is VERY, VERY BAD.
Article from Guardian UK: Fukushima nuclear plant may have suffered 'melt-through', Japan admits Fuel rods have probably breached containment vessels – a more serious scenario than core meltdown – according to report http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/jun/08/fukushima-nuclear-plant-melt-through
Molten nuclear fuel in three reactors at the Fukushima Daiichi power plant is likely to have burned through pressure vessels, not just the cores, Japan has said in a report in which it also acknowledges it was unprepared for an accident of the severity of Fukushima.
It is the first time Japanese authorities have admitted the possibility that the fuel suffered "melt-through" – a more serious scenario than a core meltdown.
The report, which is to be submitted to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said fuel rods in reactors No 1, 2 and 3 had probably not only melted, but also breached their inner containment vessels and accumulated in the outer steel containment vessels.
The plant's operator, Tokyo Electric Power (Tepco), says it believes the molten fuel is being cooled by water that has built up in the bottom of the three reactor buildings.
The report includes an apology to the international community for the nuclear crisis – the world's worst since Chernobyl in 1986 – and expresses "remorse that this accident has raised concerns around the world about the safety of nuclear power generation".
The prime minister, Naoto Kan, said: "Above all, it is most important to inform the international community with thorough transparency in order for us to regain its confidence in Japan."
The report comes a day after Japan's nuclear safety agency said the amount of radiation that leaked from Fukushima Daiichi in the first week of the accident may have been more than double that initially estimated by Tepco.
The 750-page report, compiled by Japan's emergency nuclear task force, concedes that the country was wrongfooted by the severity of the accident, which occurred after the plant was struck by waves more than 14 metres high following the earthquake on 11 March.
"We are taking very seriously the fact that consistent preparation for severe accidents was insufficient," the report said. "In light of the lessons learned from the accident, Japan has recognised that a fundamental revision of its nuclear safety preparedness and response is inevitable."
The nuclear task force's head, Goshi Hosono, said Tepco had failed to adequately protect plant workers early on in the crisis, and had provided inadequate information about radiation leaks.
About 7,800 workers had been involved in the battle to stabilise the plant as of late May, the report said. While their average exposure dose was well within safe limits, "a certain number" may have been exposed to more than 250 millisieverts per year, the maximum allowable dose under revised government guidelines for Fukushima workers.
The report acknowledged that bureaucratic red tape, and the division of responsibilities across several government agencies, had hampered the response to the accident.
It said the government would separate the country's nuclear safety watchdog from the trade and industry ministry, a recommendation made earlier this month by a team of experts from the IAEA.
The trade and industry minister, Banri Kaieda, said Japan would share all available data and co-operate with the IAEA. "Our country bears a serious responsibility to provide data to the international community with maximum transparency, and to actively contribute to nuclear safety," he said.
The most urgent problem facing workers at Fukushima Daiichi is how to deal with vast quantities of highly radioactive water that has accumulated in reactor buildings and basements and in ditches.
The estimated 100,000 tonnes of contaminated liquid – runoff from water used to douse overheating reactors – is hampering efforts to repair the plant's cooling systems.
Tepco has said it hopes to have a system in place by the middle of the month to remove radioactive substances from the water, enabling it to be reused to cool reactors.
SAME STORY FROM ABC AUSTRALIA: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/06/08/3238720.htm?section=world
For the first time, Japanese authorities have suggested the situation at the Fukushima nuclear plant may have gone beyond a meltdown.
An official report, which Japan will submit to the UN's nuclear watchdog, says nuclear fuel in three reactors at Fukushima has possibly melted through the pressure vessels and accumulated in outer containment vessels.
Japan's Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper says this "melt-through" is far worse than a core meltdown, and is the worst possibility in a nuclear accident.
This is the first official admission that a "melt-through" may have occurred.
In the report, Japan also admits it was unprepared for the scale of the Fukushima disaster, which struck after a devastating earthquake and tsunami in March.
The report also acknowledges there was insufficient communication between the government and the plant's operator.
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