Japan: Fukushima Nuclear Plant To Be Scrapped

Japan’s top government spokesman suggested on Sunday the disaster-stricken Fukushima No.1 nuclear power plant will be scrapped following a series of problems including explosions and radiation leaks.

“As the government has the authority, it’s difficult for me to say anything definite without going through the required procedures.

But looking at situation from an objective point of view, I think it’s clear whether the plant can resume operations or not,” Chief Cabinet Secretary Yukio Edano told a news conference when asked about the fate of the crippled nuclear complex.

The cooling functions at the Fukushima No. 1 plant, located 230 kilometers north of Tokyo, broke down following the March 11 magnitude-9.0 earthquake and tsunami that left at least 21,000 dead or missing in northeastern and eastern Japan.

His remarks came at a time when troops, firefighters and plant engineers continued emergency efforts to cool down overheating spent fuel pools by spraying thousands of tons of water into the damaged reactor buildings, and restore electricity need for cooling functions in hopes of averting a nuclear meltdown.

Edano also said the government again detected unusual level of radiation in milk and spinach from areas near the Fukushima plant, but stressed the radiation-contaminated foods pose no immediate threat to human health.

“The tainted milk and spinach have not reached the market,” Edano said, urging consumers to stay calm.

The government also said on Saturday it has detected abnormal levels of radioactivity in milk and spinach from the areas.