Experts Skeptical of TEPCOs Ice Wall Plan to Contain FukushimaPaul Lawrance TEPCO announced last week they were moving forward with plans to construct an underground wall of ice around the damaged reactors in order to prevent ground water from seeping into, and mixing with, thehighly radioactive water leaking from the reactor cores. The ice wall idea came under criticism fromDale Klein, a former U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission chairman, who said there was doubt that the wall could be effective in the grounds around the plantdue to theuntested assumptions about the sites hydrology. Any time you make a decision, it should be based on current, relevant science, and you have to strike a balance between science and policy, Klein said in an interview in Tokyo. At the end of the day, it may be a good alternative. But Im just not convinced. More criticism is now coming from Japans Nuclear Regulation Authority who is echoing similar concern. Fuketa says thehydrological impact of creating a frozen wall in the area is unclear. An ice wall may be an idea seen as innovative, but also could be considered one of desperation. With constant reports of highly radioactive leaks and disturbing information on how the damaged site is being managed, it is as if TEPCO is running out of bullets. The construction of the ice wall, if it gets the go-ahead, will begin in June and is reported to be utilized through 2020. Paul Lawrance writes for Eyes Open Report where this first appeared. 