orNLY March 29, 2011 0600 EDT

Briefing Sheet Fukushima Daiichi

NISA press conference 20:45hrs 28 March - TEPCO injecting fresh water into Units 1, 2 and 3; transitioning to temporary electric pumps for injection (all three units); Actions underway to pump water from flooded turbine building basements into condensers/other tanks. NRC Site team advises that turbine bldg water levels are not increasing. The RST has developed a draft discussion paper on the Potential Leakage Paths to the Turbine Building. This paper was vetted internally and discussed with others (GEH, INPO, NR); comments will be incorporated prior to dispatch to site team. Highly radioactive water (approx 100 R/hr) found in a "trench" (pipe and cable chase) outside Unit 2; source of water unclear. TEPCO stated that this water is not flowing into the ocean, though the water will overflow this trench if it rises about 1 meter (trench is 4 meters deep). There is water in the trenches outside of Units i and 3 as well. Actions have been taken, or are in progress, to preclude contaminated water in trenches from reaching the ocean (e.g., sandbags, etc.). TEPCO is planning to install equipment to inert Unit 1 by 31 March. One train of the Bechtel pumping system is being deployed to the site. Both barges are staged 40 miles from site conducting pump testing. Resupply barge from ship anchored at sea. The GOJ has requested help with shielding, removal of spent fuel, and robotics. The NRC Site Team indicates that TEPCO has contracted with the Shaw Company for decay heat removal systems and debris removal. NEI is serving as a focal point for collecting U.S. nuclear plant monitoring data in environmental samples, and is developing an online database with data from US plants. NEI has committed to providing NRC data until the protected web site is online and functioning (anticipated on 29 March). NRC is sharing data with EPA and DOE in the interim. Press release from PA Governor regarding 1-131 found in rainwater may result in public interest, PMT working a dose assessment to provide perspective (sharing with EPA for review). The RST has provided a coordinated (GEH, EPRI, INPO, NR, DOE) set of recommendations pertaining to severe accident management strategies to the NRC team in Japan. Revisions to the severe accident management strategies are being considered in light of Unit 2 and Unit 3 containment conditions, and environmental release concerns. Any revision will be fully vetted with all parties. The EPA commented on NRC recommendations for temporary re-entry into evacuated areas. The comments were incorporated into the original paper, and the paper was re-sent to NSS (WH). PMT participated in NSS-sponsored call with Federal partners and no significant issues were raised. LT is awaiting reply from NSS regarding how the paper will be provided to DOS. The PMT evaluated information from TEPCO and NISA regarding levels of plutonium sampled on site. The levels (5.4X10-1 Bq/kg) are very low, and below background levels applicable to the eastern range of the Rocky Mountains (in the US). ET director will provide PACOM the NRC's assessment of conditions at the Fukushim Dai-ichi plants during a 15:00hrs 29 March IPC call, and whether conditions are getting worse. Vince Holahan has arrived in Hawaii, and plans to meet with PACOM at 12:15hrs 29 March EST. The NRC/Consortium call is being re-established at 10:00hrs 29 March. The Chairman is returning to U.S. at 11:05hrs 29 March. OFF~eL 1 UfEY