According to Japanese media, Japan will begin releasing ‘treated’ radioactive water from its tsunami-damaged nuclear power plant as early as late August. According to the Japanese Daily, the process of releasing approximately 1.3 million tons of cleaned water would begin after Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida completes his discussions with US President Joe Biden and South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol next week in the US. The Japanese leader is likely to brief both leaders in order to resolve concerns about the water’s safety. The water release process is projected to take three to four decades to complete.
Japan claims that the water is safe
Earlier this month, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) approved Japanese plans to dump water into the sea around Fukushima. Despite local fishermen’s and certain East Asian governments’ worries, notably China and Taiwan, the UN nuclear watchdog determined the treated water poses no hazard to marine life.
Following that, Japan’s nuclear authority approved the release of water last month. According to Reuters, the water held in the site’s massive tanks has been purified by Tepco’s advanced liquid processing system (Alps) to remove most radioactive constituents except tritium, a hydrogen isotope that is difficult to separate from water.
Concerns expressed by neighboring countries
Nearby countries, particularly China, have objected to Japan’s plans, claiming that the move will contaminate the fish. Indeed, during an international nuclear nonproliferation summit in Vienna last week, Chinese and Japanese officials reportedly hurled barbs. China objected to the IAEA’s findings, questioning the accuracy of the data it analyzed.
China previously stated that if Japan proceeds with its intention to discharge the water, it will put import restrictions on Japanese seafood by tightening inspection requirements. Meanwhile, in South Korea, members of a civic organization and several MPs, mostly from the opposition, demonstrated against Japan. The South Korean government, on the other hand, approved the IAEA assessment and Tokyo’s plans.
A short history
A terrible earthquake rocked Japan in 2011 and unleashed a devastating tsunami. The huge waves caused damage to the Fukushima nuclear power facility, resulting in a nuclear meltdown. To prevent additional damage, seawater, and boric acid were injected into the plant, where contaminated seawater accumulated.