Global Courant
TOKYO — International Atomic Energy Organization (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi on Wednesday approved the safety of Japan’s plan to release treated radioactive water from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the ocean after examining the facility.
In a major milestone for the decommissioning of the power plant, devastated by a massive earthquake and tsunami in 2011, the IAEA said Tuesday that a two-year assessment showed Japan’s water release plans would have a negligible impact on the environment.
Japanese fishing unions have long opposed the plan, saying it would undo work to repair reputational damage after several countries banned some Japanese food products over fears of radiation. Japan regularly tests seafood from the Fukushima area and has determined it to be safe.
Mr Grossi said there were no pending issues, after examining the wrecked power plant and feeding the flounder that grew up in the treated radioactive water as proof of its harmlessness.
He also opened an IAEA office on site that will monitor the release of the water, which is expected to take 30 to 40 years.
Still, the reality for people, the economy and social perceptions may differ from the science, Grossi said, acknowledging the fear surrounding the release of water.
“I don’t have a magic solution to the doubts and concerns that may exist, but we have one thing…we will be here with you for decades to come…until the last drop of water is gone.” safely discharged,” he said.
The Japanese government wants to start releasing water as early as August, the Nikkei reported on Wednesday.
The plan is yet to be formally approved by the national nuclear power regulatory agency, which is expected Friday.
Criticism abroad
Some neighboring countries have also expressed concern about the threat to the environment, with Beijing the biggest critic.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin on Wednesday criticized the move to dump the water and threatened action if the plan went ahead.
“The relevant Chinese government departments will strengthen ocean environmental monitoring and inspection of marine product imports to ensure the health and food security of the public,” he said, but declined to provide specific details about what kind of action the government would take. to take.
