The good news is that over the last two weeks or so at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear plant, there have been no further spectacular explosions, no new massive breaches of containment or as far as we know, massive releases of radiation, though there continue to be dangerous levels inside the reactors, in water and in surrounding areas.

The bad news is the Japanese authorities have been unable to make substantial progress against the massive quantities of contaminated water still leaking from the various units.

Today’s news from Fukushima: TEPCO and the government have produced a roadmap for the next 6-9 months, ending with all reactors in cold shutdown and all spent fuel pools under full control. Phase 1 (three months) consists of achieving a “steady reduction” of radiation. In Phase 2 (three-six months), the plan calls for first getting radiation releases under control and then substantially curbed. At the end of Phase 2, there is a decision point for the government. At that point (between November and January) evacuation orders will be reviewed. Evacuees will either be allowed to return to their homes to live or not.

That radioactive water was leaking from a crack in a pit attached to the No. 2 nuclear reactor. Keep that in mind when you read this horrifying statement from an open Congressional testimony just this morning. . . .

Japanese officials announced early Wednesday that they have managed to stop the serious leak of water with high radiation levels that had been flowing into the Pacific Ocean from the pit and sea-intakes near Unit 2. That was the good news. The bad news is what’s still unsolved.