The tsunami-hit Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in Japan is expected to start releasing treated radioactive wastewater into the sea within weeks. This plan has faced fierce protests both in and outside of Japan, with residents and business owners expressing concern about the potential damage to Fukushima's image and economy. The government has yet to announce when the water release will begin, and residents feel helpless about the situation. The government and Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), the operator of the plant, have struggled to manage the contaminated water accumulating since the 2011 nuclear disaster. The water will be treated, diluted with seawater, and released into the Pacific Ocean through an undersea tunnel. Officials say the possible impact would be limited, but some residents and experts remain skeptical about the long-term effects. Fishing organizations in Japan, South Korea, and China have raised concerns, turning the issue into a political and diplomatic matter. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has supported Japan's plan, stating that it meets international standards and would have negligible environmental and health impacts. However, some experts believe more attention should be given to the low-dose radionuclides that remain in the water. Transparency and diligent sampling of the water are seen as important factors in gaining public trust.
Mon, 24 Jul 2023 12:09:39 GMT | The Washington Post