Operator of Japan’s crippled Fukushima plant disaster removes 2 fuel rods; prelude to cleanup

TOKYO – The operator of the nuclear plant in last year’s disaster in northeastern Japan is taking two fuel rods out of a spent-fuel pool to start dealing with a major remaining risk there.

All of the 1,535 rods next to reactor No. 4 at the crippled Fukushima Dai-ichi plant must eventually be removed from the pool to safer storage. Government nuclear regulators say Tokyo Electric Power Co. started the work Wednesday by removing two rods to inspect their condition.

Japanese TV reports showed giant cranes removing the 4-meter (13-foot) rods.

The utility declined to comment, citing secrecy needs for handling nuclear material.

The pool’s building was destroyed by explosions from multiple meltdowns following the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami. Fears are growing about massive radioactive material stored in the damaged building.