Japan’s Plan to Discharge Fukushima Radioactive Water into the Sea has it’s Critics

TOKYO, JAPAN-

Japanese authorities have just announced their controversial decision to release more than 1 million metric tons of treated radioactive water from the devastated Fukushima nuclear power plant into the sea.

This move, scheduled to begin on August 24, has been met with both support and criticism, particularly from neighboring countries like China.

The release plan was initially approved by the Japanese government two years ago, and it is considered a crucial step in the decommissioning process of the plant operated by Tokyo Electric Power Company (Tepco).

The Prime Minister of Japan, Fumio Kishida, stated, “I expect the water release to start on August 24, weather conditions permitting.”

This decision follows a day after the government revealed that it had obtained a “degree of understanding” from the fishing industry regarding the release of water into the Pacific Ocean.

However, local fishing groups expressed concerns about potential reputational damage affecting their livelihoods due to this decision.

To ensure safety and minimize the impact, the water will be released in smaller portions and will undergo extra checks.

The initial discharge will involve around 7,800 cubic meters of water over a span of approximately 17 days, starting from Thursday.

This released water will contain about 190 becquerels of tritium per liter, which is well below the World Health Organization’s drinking water limit of 10,000 becquerels per liter. A becquerel is a unit used to measure radioactivity.

Japan asserts that this water release is safe.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), a United Nations nuclear watchdog, granted approval to the plan in July, stating that it adheres to international standards and its impact on people and the environment is “negligible.”

While opinions within Japan vary, a survey conducted by Japanese broadcaster FNN revealed that about 56% of respondents support the water release, while 37% oppose it.

“The IAEA and many other countries have said it’s safe, so I believe it is.

But fishermen are facing so many problems so the Japanese government needs to do something to convince them,” commented 77-year-old NGO worker Hiroko Hashimoto.

However, skepticism exists abroad, particularly from neighboring countries. China, in particular, has been vocal in criticizing the decision.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin labeled the move as “extremely selfish” and expressed deep concern, even lodging a formal complaint.

Wang asserted that China would take necessary measures to protect the marine environment, food safety, and public health.

Hong Kong’s Chief Executive, John Lee, called the discharge “irresponsible” and announced the immediate activation of import controls on Japanese seafood from regions like Tokyo and Fukushima.

This ban, also applicable in Macau, covers live, frozen, refrigerated, and dried seafood, as well as sea salt and seaweed.

South Korea, while acknowledging no issues with the scientific or technical aspects of the plan, does not fully agree with or support it.

This stance reflects President Yoon Suk Yeol’s effort to balance relations with Japan and potential consumer backlash at home.

Prime Minister Kishida believes that an “accurate understanding” of the matter is spreading internationally.

Japan’s rationale for the water release is that it will remove most radioactive elements except for tritium, a hydrogen isotope that is challenging to filter and must be diluted.

Tony Irwin, an honorary associate professor at the Australian National University, noted, “Nuclear power plants worldwide have routinely discharged water containing tritium for over 60 years without harm to people or the environment, most at higher levels than the 22 TBq per year planned for Fukushima.”

Japanese officials anticipate that the first test results of seawater after the discharge may be available by early September.

Japan also plans to conduct tests on fish in the waters near the plant and make the results accessible on the agriculture ministry’s website.

The decision to release treated radioactive water is a complex one, taking into account safety concerns, environmental impact, and the interests of various stakeholders both within and outside of Japan.

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Reuters