The Japanese government has begun the process of discharging treated and diluted but still slightly radioactive wastewater from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean. This water is a small portion of the accumulated tons of water at the plant, but officials argue that releasing it is necessary for the decommissioning of the plant. The water has been treated and diluted to levels considered safer than international standards, but the plan has faced opposition in and outside of Japan. The water, which contains cesium, strontium, carbon-14, and other radionuclides, will be re-treated until it meets government-set limits and then diluted with seawater before release. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has stated that the plan will have a negligible impact on the environment and human health. While some scientists support the IAEA's conclusion, others call for more attention to the long-term effects of low-dose radionuclides in the water on the environment and marine life. The release of the treated water from Fukushima is seen as less challenging than the task of removing radioactive debris from the damaged reactors. The company responsible for the plant, Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings (TEPCO), plans to release 31,200 tons of treated water by March 2024, gradually discharging it over the decades-long decommissioning process. The release has raised concerns among fisheries and tourism industries in Fukushima, as well as in South Korea and China, who have increased their radiation testing of fishery and agricultural products from the region. The Japanese government has allocated funding to support the fisheries industry and combat potential reputation damage. TEPCO has also pledged to address claims of reputational damage.
Thu, 24 Aug 2023 12:43:00 GMT | 9 & 10 News