I work in the nuclear industry, so I am familiar with what is LLW.
My point was that spilled LLW, whatever the source, does not constitute a “damaged” plant. The NYT appears to presume damage either out of ignorance or because they have an agenda.
The Japanese plant operators are typically tight-lipped about the operation of their plants, so I doubt we’ll ever find out the source of the releases.
Of course you’re right. A cask tipping over ain’t the same as a reactor coolant leak.