The New York Times<\/a> Dot Earth blog yesterday, Andy Revkin noted the hysteria of some “apocalyptic” reports on the situation. Mr. Revkin linked to TEPCO’s rosy video displaying the ideal fuel relocation process and ended by quoting David Lochbaum, a respected nuclear engineer and director of the Nuclear Safety Project at the Union of Concerned Scientists, regarding one expected scenario presented by an antinuclear spokesperson.<\/p>\nLochman acknowledged the inherent danger of the Unit 4 situation and stated that he felt TEPCO’s approach was sensible. He also lauded the company for addressing the issue of structural failure by reinforcing the building and removing the large debris from the explosion that blew off the roof. “TEPCO did not put schedule ahead of safety,” Lochbaum said in the interview. “They\u2019ve taken time, but not undue time, to understood the problem before applying a solution.” He was quoted as saying that international assistance would not serve any purpose at this time.<\/p>\n
Others differ. Perhaps the best that can be said right now: “We’ll see.” At any rate, the first hours of the fuel rod removal have reportedly gone smoothly. And the parties generally agree that it’s time someone did something about the two and a half year-old disaster.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
NHK World reports the beginning of Fukushima Reactor Unit 4 fuel rod transfer. (Screenshot of NHK broadcast, video released by TEPCO.) The ticklish operations involved in decommissioning Tokyo Electric’s ruined nuclear power plant at Fukushima began on Monday. 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(Screenshot of NHK broadcast, video released by TEPCO.) The ticklish operations involved in decommissioning Tokyo Electric’s ruined nuclear power plant at Fukushima began on Monday. 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