Japan has announced that it will start releasing treated radioactive water from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the ocean as soon as Thursday, August 24, 2023. The plan has been approved by the United Nations’ International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which concluded that it aligns with international safety standards and would have a “negligible radiological impact to people and the environment”.
However, the plan has also faced strong opposition and criticism from many of Japan’s neighbors, such as China, South Korea, and the Pacific Islands. They have expressed concerns about the potential environmental and health risks of dumping radioactive water into the sea, as well as the impact on the fishing industry and consumer confidence. Some countries have even banned imported food from parts of Japan, including Fukushima.
The Japanese government and TEPCO, the operator of the Fukushima plant, have insisted that the water release is safe and necessary, as they are running out of space to store the contaminated water. They have also claimed that the water has been treated to remove most of the radioactive elements, except for tritium, which they say is harmless in low concentrations.
How did Fukushima become contaminated with radioactive water?
The Fukushima nuclear plant was severely damaged by a massive earthquake and tsunami in March 2011, which caused three of its six reactors to melt down. The disaster released large amounts of radioactive material into the air, soil, and water, forcing more than 100,000 people to evacuate from the surrounding areas.
Since then, TEPCO has been pumping water into the damaged reactors to cool down the fuel debris, while also collecting groundwater and rainwater that seep into the plant. This has resulted in more than 1.2 million tons of radioactive water being stored in about 1,000 tanks on the site.
The water has been treated by a system called ALPS (Advanced Liquid Processing System), which can remove 62 types of radioactive elements, but not tritium. Tritium is a hydrogen isotope that emits beta radiation, which can be blocked by human skin but can pose a risk if ingested or inhaled.
What are the risks and benefits of releasing the water?
According to the IAEA, releasing the treated water into the ocean is a feasible and acceptable option, as long as it meets certain criteria and is monitored closely. The agency said that the water release would have a “negligible radiological impact to people and the environment”, based on its assessment of TEPCO’s data and plans.
The IAEA also said that releasing the water would help advance the decommissioning process of the Fukushima plant, which is expected to take decades to complete. The agency added that it would provide technical support and independent verification to ensure that the water release is carried out safely and transparently.
However, some experts and activists have questioned the reliability and validity of TEPCO’s data and plans, citing its history of cover-ups and mishaps. They have also argued that there are alternative ways to deal with the water problem, such as building more storage tanks, evaporating the water, or solidifying it into concrete.
Moreover, many people in Japan and abroad have expressed fears and doubts about the safety and necessity of releasing radioactive water into the ocean. They have worried that it could harm marine life, contaminate seafood, affect human health, and damage Japan’s reputation. They have also called for more public consultation and participation in the decision-making process.
How will Japan proceed with the water release?
Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said on Tuesday that authorities would go ahead with the water release on Thursday “if they encounter no obstacles”. He said that he had met with representatives from various sectors, including fishermen, who had expressed their understanding of the plan but still opposed it.
Kishida said that he would take full responsibility for ensuring that the water release is done safely and with minimal impact on people’s lives and livelihoods. He also said that he would work to dispel misinformation and rumors about the plan, and to restore trust and confidence in Japan’s food products.
According to TEPCO’s plan, the water release will take place gradually over several years, starting with a small amount of about 1.3 tons on Thursday. The water will be diluted to meet Japan’s regulatory standards for tritium concentration, which are stricter than those of other countries. The water will also be tested for other radioactive substances before being discharged into the sea through a pipeline.
TEPCO said that it would disclose information on the water quality and quantity on its website and through other channels. It also said that it would compensate fishermen and other affected parties for any losses or damages caused by the water release.