Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has given final approval for the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant to release treated and diluted radioactive wastewater into the Pacific Ocean starting as early as Thursday. Kishida described this move as an important step in the plant decommissioning and in the recovery process of Fukushima prefecture after the devastating 2011 earthquake and tsunami damaged the plant’s cooling systems, leading to reactor meltdowns and water contamination.
Currently, approximately 1.34 million tons of water have been collected and filtered, and they are being stored in around 1,000 tanks. However, these tanks are nearing capacity and are expected to be full by early 2024. If the water is not removed, there is a risk of accidental leaks from the tanks and it will impede the decommissioning process. In response, Kishida instructed Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings (TEPCO), the plant’s operator, to prepare for the release of the filtered water into the sea on Thursday, pending favorable weather and sea conditions.
During the cabinet meeting, Kishida reassured that the government has taken all necessary measures to ensure the safety of the plan and provided a detailed explanation of the scientific basis behind it. He also emphasized the government’s commitment to continue pushing forward with these efforts until the decommissioning and water release process is completed, even if it takes several decades. Kishida acknowledged the government’s efforts to protect the reputation of the fishing industry and affirmed that such protection will continue.
The plan has garnered support from scientists who believe that, if executed according to its design, it is safe. Both the Japanese government and TEPCO assert that the water will undergo treatment and be diluted with seawater to levels that adhere to international safety standards. In a final report issued in July, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) determined that if the plan is strictly followed, it would have negligible impact on the environment and human health.
IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi stated on Tuesday that the agency’s office, which began operating at the plant last month, will continue to monitor the water release to ensure it remains within safety standards. Real-time monitoring data will be made publicly available by the agency. Additionally, the government and TEPCO will publish the results of regular tests on seawater and marine life on their respective websites.
Despite these reassurances, concerns about the long-term effects of low doses of radioactivity in the water still persist. Neighboring countries, including South Korea, have expressed strong opposition to the plan and raised doubts about the safety of the seawater. South Korea’s Office of Government Policy Coordination has stated that if Japan deviates from the initial plan, they will request an immediate halt to the water discharge. Hong Kong and Macau have announced bans on products from Fukushima and nine neighboring prefectures, while China has increased radiation testing on Japanese fishery products.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Kishida’s approval marks a significant step in the ongoing efforts to address the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant issue. While the plan is backed by scientific assessments and safety measures, concerns from neighboring countries and questions about the long-term effects of the water release remain. The Japanese government and TEPCO are committed to transparency and will continue to publish relevant data and conduct regular tests to ensure the safety of the environment and marine life.
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