Operators begin procedure to remove spent fuel from crippled TEPCO nuclear plant . Fukushima will begin taking out three spent fuel units from Reactor 4 for storage . Plant damaged by the earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan in March 2011 . The procedure is considered a milestone in the estimated $ 50 billion cleanup operation more than two years after a massive earthquake and tsunami brought disaster to the facility . Cleanup beset by numerous problems , including the leak of about 400 tons of radioactive water .
Operators begin procedure to remove spent fuel from crippled TEPCO nuclear plant . Fukushima will begin taking out three spent fuel units from Reactor 4 for storage . Plant damaged by the earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan in March 2011 . Cleanup beset by numerous problems , including the leak of about 400 tons of radioactive water .