Engineers are suggesting that dismantling the Daiichi complex and decontaminating the site may take 30 years and cost more than 1 trillion yen. Three Mile Island took 12 years before the core was isolated after the burial and sent out west--


Minister Edano hasn't ruled out pouring concrete over the entire facility as one way to shut it down.
Dumping concrete on the plant would serve a second purpose: it would trap contaminated water, said Tony Roulstone, an atomic engineer who directs the nuclear energy program at Cambridge University.
(NOTE: Compare with statement by Dr. Lyman, post by Charley: Experts differ on feasibility).

Prime Minister Kan is looking to split NISA (Nuclear and Industrial Safety Industry) from METI (Ministry of Economic Trade and Industry) because of the conflict of interest.
(Note: Sound familiar? A similar conflict within our government with regard to the Gulf Oil disaster).

Kan said he is considering a fundamental change in energy policy, which at present feature plans to add 14 more reactors to the 54 in operation before March 11.

A few weeks ago, I saw a program on rice farmers who had developed a way of life over many generations. Adjacent to the rice fields, farmers had built their individual homes, protected from winds by tree plantings, which also included fruit trees and space for a few animals, and with space for vegetable gardens. Over the years, a stable, comportable lifestyle was established, providing the family with their needs.
Last night on NHK Japan, family farms in the Tohoku area were discussed. The people have had to leave and their produce and animals have been contaminated.
Sad to see.