IAEA starts checks of stricken nuclear plant

[bananas]

Source: Asahi Shimbun

IAEA starts checks of stricken nuclear plant

08/07/2007
BY HIROTAKA KAWAKAMI AND HIDEYUKI MIURA

THE ASAHI SHIMBUN

KASHIWAZAKI, Niigata Prefecture--Inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) started a four-day inspection Monday of the earthquake-damaged Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant here.

There is concern, however, that a thorough investigation will be impossible due to damage to the facility caused by the magnitude 6.8 temblor on July 16.

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But the thoroughness of the report will likely be hampered due to damage to cranes within the structures that house the nuclear reactors.

Due to the damage, it will be impossible to raise the heavy concrete lids that cover the reactor pressure and primary containment vessels.

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Read more: http://www.asahi.com/english/Herald-asahi/TKY200708070084.html

[IndianaGreen]

1. How many nuclear plants were built in earthquake zones?

The disaster at Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant, which resulted in radioactive water being dumped in the ocean, and nuclear waste containers leaking and seeping into the ground, is a portent of things to come.