Fukushima Daiichi update, Sunday (Eastern)

Containment pressure at No. 3 plant did rise, but appears to have stabilized and TEPCO is now going to take a more cautious approach, according to its own words, in reducing the pressure. TEPCO does not wish to make any further releases of gases containing fission products unless it is absolutely necessary.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Edano suggested in a briefing that the Fukushima Daiichi plant might be demolished, being so badly damaged overall that none of the plants will ever operate again. This is by no means an official policy statement nor is it an order to TEPCO from the government... I happen to agree that certainly Nos. 1 through 4 will never operate again, and contamination and radiation at the site might make operation of the nearby and relatively unaffected No. 5 and No. 6 plants highly difficult if not impossible.

Edano says also that decisions today will be made about foods found to be contaminated, in terms of either safe levels to eat or else foods to be destroyed.

Aerial measurement (apparently a CH-47 helicopter using infra-red measuring equipment) indicates that all spent fuel pools are below boiling temperature.

The latest JAIF status chart reflects the water application at No. 3 and No. 4 plants, as well as the containment pressure rise and subsequent stabilization..

20 MARCH / 1600 HRS JAIF CHART

5:55 AM Eastern Sunday 3/20
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