Transcripts show NRC officials debated chairman's claim on spent fuel pools in Japan crisis The USA Times

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Friday, May 25, 2012

Transcripts show NRC officials debated chairman's claim on spent fuel pools in Japan crisis

WASHINGTON - Newly released transcripts show top Nuclear Regulatory Commission officials debated the accuracy of public statements made by the agency chairman about a pool holding spent fuel rods at a crippled nuclear plant in Japan.

NRC Chairman Gregory Jaczko told Congress the pool was dry, increasing the chances of a radioactive release. The claim, which drew immediate denials from Japanese officials, was a principal reason for a U.S. recommendation that Americans within 50 miles (80 kilometres) of the plant leave the area.

After Jaczko's testimony, a top NRC official in Japan told Jaczko his statement was "probably inaccurate."

The official later said he was unsure whether the pool was dry.

The NRC released more than 3,000 pages of transcripts Tuesday from the days after the March 2011 accident in Japan.