Asia News

Removal of Radioactive Water Starts

Updated April 20, 2011 12:01 a.m. ET

TOKYO—Workers began removing highly radioactive water from one of the reactors at the earthquake-hit Fukushima Daiichi nuclear complex Tuesday, a long-delayed step that could prevent further toxic ocean spills and make it easier for workers to proceed with other work to end the crisis.

The progress came as foreign companies stepped up their involvement in efforts to help keep the Japanese power plant under control. On Tuesday evening, a consortium led by French nuclear-engineering firm Areva agreed to set up a facility...

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