Japan has announced its plan to commence the release of over 1 million metric tonnes of treated radioactive water from the damaged Fukushima nuclear power plant on August 24. This move has sparked strong criticism from China.
The Japanese government approved this plan two years ago, considering it crucial for the decommissioning of the plant operated by Tokyo Electric Power Company (Tepco). However, it has also faced opposition from local fishing groups who are concerned about reputational damage and the impact on their livelihoods.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida stated, “I have asked Tepco to swiftly prepare for the water discharge following the plan approved by the Nuclear Regulation Authority, and I expect the water release to start on August 24, weather permitting.”
This announcement comes after the government claimed to have gained some understanding from the fishing industry regarding the water release, although fishing groups still worry about potential reputational harm.
The initial release, beginning on Thursday, will amount to 7,800 cubic meters over approximately 17 days, according to Tepco. This water will contain about 190 becquerels of tritium per liter, which is below the World Health Organization’s drinking limit of 10,000 becquerels per liter. Tritium is a unit of radioactivity.
Japan has maintained that the water release is safe. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the UN’s nuclear watchdog, approved the plan in July, stating it met international standards and had a “negligible” impact on people and the environment.
A recent survey conducted by Japanese broadcaster FNN found that about 56% of respondents supported the release, while 37% opposed it.
Japan intends to filter the water to remove most radioactive elements except for tritium, which is difficult to separate from water. Before release into the Pacific, the treated water will be diluted well below internationally approved tritium levels.
This water was initially used to cool the fuel rods of Fukushima Daiichi following a meltdown caused by a massive tsunami in 2011 that struck Japan’s eastern coast.
Japanese officials expect to have the first test results of seawater after the discharge available in early September. Additionally, Japan will test fish in the waters near the plant and make the results accessible on the agriculture ministry’s website.
