(Independent) Fukushima probe to avoid assessing quake damage [View all]

[kristopher]

Fukushima probe to avoid assessing quake damage
Kyodo

A government panel investigating the triple-meltdown crisis at the Fukushima No. 1 power plant will not provide in its interim report any in-depth analysis on how badly the March 11 earthquake damaged key facilities before the tsunami arrived, sources said Monday.

The decision leaves open the possibility that facilities key to securing the plant's safety were seriously damaged by the 9-magnitude temblor.

Tokyo Electric Power Co. has asserted that the direct cause of the disaster was the larger-than-expected tsunami.

...The report could further delay the resumption of atomic power use across the country because local governments are waiting for the probe to conclude before taking a stance on whether to allow reactor restarts. Several were recently idled for regular inspections.

If doubts about current quake-resistance standards increase...

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20111220a6.html



Even though the intensity of the quake at the location of the plant was only marginally above design specs, the panel has made clear they think the evidence available, though not conclusive, points to the earthquake as the causal event in the meltdowns. This is an interesting development.

Earlier story here: http://www.democraticunderground.com/10161811