April 8 - Today's guest blog is by Dan Dorman from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, who has been working here in Japan over the past weeks to help stabilize the situation at the Fukushima Dai'ichi nuclear plant.
Jim
Everyone Working Together Around the Clock
NRC Team working in the 24-hour command center at the U.S. Embassy
As you probably know, since the Tohoku earthquake and subsequent tsunami on March 11, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission has had a team of experts in Japan to provide technical assistance as requested by the Government of Japan. You probably also know that Japan has a long and proud tradition in the peaceful use of nuclear power. Having just returned from two weeks in Tokyo, working with the many capable engineers, scientists and national leaders to stabilize the Fukushima Dai'ichi plant, I can tell you that Japan is exerting its maximum effort to bring the crisis to a close while minimizing any further radiological impact to people and the environment.
The Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) and the Japanese government are laboring around the clock to ensure stable and sustainable cooling to the Fukushima reactors and spent fuel pools, while removing the highly contaminated water from the turbine buildings, removing debris to facilitate further remediation, and reducing dose rates to increase access throughout the site and enable the workers there to be more effective and efficient.
Meanwhile the government is consulting with an array of experts on longer range plans to ensure that radioactive material remains confined to the plant site while they develop long-term strategies to remove the damaged fuel and ultimately decommission the site.
Over the last few weeks, the NRC's team of experts has been working with counterparts in TEPCO and the Japanese government to obtain the best available information on plant conditions. We have been sharing this information with a diverse collection of government and industry experts in the United States to obtain the best consensus recommendations, which we then review and refine with our Japanese colleagues.
In addition, we have worked with the U.S. Agency for International Development and a wide range of great Americans from throughout the Federal family and the U.S. nuclear industry, who have contributed a diverse array of equipment and services to help stabilize the plant, protect the workers and the public, and monitor the environmental impacts of the accident. It has been a tremendous privilege to work with all of our Japanese and American colleagues in this important endeavor.
I would be remiss in discussing the Fukushima situation without acknowledging the heroic efforts of the workers at the site. Many of them have already suffered grievous loss of family and property from the earthquake and tsunami. They labor on in difficult conditions to bring stability and closure, and to set the foundation for building a new and positive future for the region and the nation.
The world has rallied to their aid, contributing protective clothing and equipment. Our team in Japan continues to work with the Japanese government to ensure they have the resources to support and protect these workers. These are the true heroes of Fukushima Dai'ichi, and they deserve our utmost respect, our fervent prayers and our continued support.
Dan Dorman
We Japanese really appreciate the help and kindness of U.S.Navy, Army, Air Force, Marine and all American people. We never forget your mind. Please pass on this message to U.S. military forces too. ありがとう、友達
Dear The U.S.A nation
We Japanese deeply appreciate your kindness. Thank you very much for sending relief to the earthquake victims. Your support to the victims gives them courage and hope. We'll never give up because all the world gives us support. We'll never forget your kindness. I'm so sorry I'm unable to speak English well, so there are some mistake and impolite expression. Please forgive me.
Thank you for your kindness.by Japanese old woman
