Radioactivity Spikes Again in Sea Near Fukushima Plant

Radioactivity has been rising in the seawater around the Fukushima nuclear plant in recent days, which could mean that the plant has new leaks, reports AP. Japanese authorities today reported increased levels of iodine-131, cesium-134, and cesium-137. "We want to determine the origin and contain the leak, but I must admit that tracking it down is difficult," said a government official.

The development came after yet another aftershock today, this one measuring 5.9-magnitude. It appeared to cause no damage but prompted authorities to again order nuclear plant operators to make sure their quake preparedness systems were in order. The AP also takes note of an unconfirmed newspaper report saying the government plans to dismantle Fukushima plant operator Tokyo Electric Power Co. (More Fukushima Daiichi stories.)