Update # 31 – July 12, 2011
Decontamination System woes continue: It's up, it's down, it's up, it's down, it's up. TEPCO bumbles on.
This halt was due to leaking at the same joint that was replaced Sunday after a 12-hour shutdown and a leak of radioactive water.
Apparently the plastic replacement part didn't work.
You can see pictures (before and after both repairs) of the joint in question here: http://www.tepco.co.jp/en/news/110311/index-e.html
Note the hose clamps . . . Hmmm, remember yesterday's story about "makeshift" systems?
TEPCO restarts decontamination system
"The operator of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant has restarted a system to decontaminate highly radioactive water after an 8-hour halt to replacing a faulty part…."
Tuesday, July 12, 2011 19:35 +0900 (JST)
Workers are in Unit 3's highly radioactive environment attempting to fix pipelines for nitrogen injection. This is the MOX fuel unit.
Shielding is the main protection tool for workers. Steel sheets were laid on the floor of Unit 3 last week. The actual work occurs at a high level in the building with the workers in a lift with shielding mats around it to about chest height. Again pictures are available in the July archives in the link above. No reports on how long the workers' shifts are . . .probably in the minutes range considering the levels of radioactivity in Unit 3.
TEPCO prepares for nitrogen injection
"The operator of the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant will begin fixing pipelines at the No. 3 reactor on Tuesday afternoon in preparation for injecting nitrogen into its container. Tokyo Electric Power Company says workers confirmed last Friday that pipes could be connected to the container.
TEPCO plans to inject nitrogen into the container in an effort to avoid a hydrogen explosion. The utility has set a target of July 17th to complete the operation. Nitrogen was injected into the No. 1 reactor in April and No. 2 reactor in June.
The utility on Monday reported its plan to the Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency and described safety measures to limit workers' radiation exposure…." Tuesday, July 12, 2011 03:29 +0900 (JST)
CONTAMINATION:
Food is not really being inspected. Lack of equipment is sited. Also it would seem lack of coordination as to who is responsible for testing.
Radioactive contaminated beef found in Shizuoka
"Radioactive cesium above the government's standard level has been found in more beef from Fukushima Prefecture.
The meat was sold in Shizuoka Prefecture, central Japan and some of it has already been consumed at restaurants…." Tuesday, July 12, 2011 01:51 +0900 (JST)"
Fukushima Prefecture to inspect all cattle farms
"Fukushima Prefecture has decided to inspect all its cattle farms for radioactivity, after radioactive cesium exceeding the government standard was detected in cattle shipped from a farm in Minami-soma city.
It has been learned that of the 17 heads of cattle shipped from the farm after the March nuclear accident, 6 were sent to Tokyo and Tochigi Prefecture, from where their beef was distributed to retailers in 8 prefectures without being tested for radioactive material….
But the measure is likely to be hampered by a lack of testing equipment.
Cattle processed in Fukushima Prefecture are tested at 3 facilities inside and outside the prefecture. But the facilities must also check pork and other meats, as well as vegetables. They have therefore been able to test beef from only 28 heads of cattle since the March disaster.
About 90 percent of cattle from Fukushima are sent to meat processing plants in other prefectures. These plants entrust safety inspections to local governments, which have been able to test less than one percent of Fukushima cattle.
Even if the prefecture purchases more testing equipment, it would need the cooperation of other local governments to inspect all cattle farms for radioactivity." Tuesday, July 12, 2011 19:19 +0900 (JST)
Moms set up network to protect kids from radiation
"Japanese mothers have set up a nationwide network to protect their children from food contaminated with radioactive substances.
About 450 mothers and others from across the country gathered to kick off the organization in Tokyo, on Tuesday.
A mother from Fukushima said that the national and local governments simply repeat that food on the market is safe, but she cannot trust their words. She said the group should urge prefectural governments to take sufficient measures to ensure children can eat safe food…." Tuesday, July 12, 2011 20:37 +0900 (JST)
Email scam fall-out continues:
Over 100 involved in Kyushu Power's e-mail scam
"Over 100 people are now thought to have been involved in a scam by the operator of the Genkai nuclear power plant to get its reactors turned back on.
Kyushu Electric Power Company is under fire after its executives told about 50 subordinates at its head office and affiliates to send supportive e-mails and faxes to a meeting hosted by the government. The meeting was called to explain safety measures before restarting the Number 2 and 3 reactors of the Genkai plant in Saga prefecture.
On Tuesday, it was found that workers at a company branch in Saga were also told to send messages to the meeting, bringing the total involved to over 100.
That accounts for more than 30 percent of the opinions at the meeting that were in favor of restarting the reactors.
Kyushu Electric warns that the number may increase further and says it will submit a report of its investigation to the government by the end of the week." Tuesday, July 12, 2011 15:56 +0900 (JST)