23-8-2023 (TOKYO) Japan is poised to move ahead with its long-debated plan to discharge more than 1 million metric tons of treated radioactive water from the beleaguered Fukushima nuclear power plant into the sea. The release is scheduled to commence at 1 pm local time tomorrow. While the decision to proceed with this operation was sanctioned by the Japanese government two years ago, it has since been met with fervent criticism from China and concerns from local fishing communities, who fear potential harm to their reputations and livelihoods.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida conveyed, “I expect the water release to start on August 24, weather conditions permitting.” This announcement comes on the heels of the government’s assertion that it has garnered “a degree of understanding” from the fishing industry, although there remains an undercurrent of anxiety within the sector regarding the potential ramifications of this release.
In order to ensure the safety of this operation, the water will be discharged in incremental amounts, each subjected to rigorous checks. The initial release, commencing on Thursday, will see approximately 7,800 cubic meters of water being discharged over a span of approximately 17 days. This process will be overseen by the Tokyo Electric Power Company (Tepco), the operator of the Fukushima plant.
Tepco has reported that the discharged water will contain approximately 190 becquerels of tritium per litre, which falls significantly below the World Health Organization’s threshold for drinking water, set at 10,000 becquerels per litre. Tritium is a unit of radioactivity. Both Japan and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have unequivocally asserted that this water release poses no threat to safety, with the IAEA confirming in July that it adheres to international standards and has a “negligible” impact on both people and the environment.
A recent survey conducted by Japanese broadcaster FNN over the weekend unveiled that 56% of respondents are in support of the release, while 37% oppose it. However, neighbouring countries, including China, have cast doubt on the safety of the plan. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin criticized the move as “extremely selfish” and officially lodged a complaint. Meanwhile, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee condemned the discharge as “irresponsible” and swiftly implemented import controls on Japanese seafood from regions including Tokyo and Fukushima.
South Korea, although acknowledging no scientific or technical issues with the plan, has stated that it does not necessarily concur with or support it. President Yoon Suk Yeol now faces the intricate challenge of navigating improved relations with Japan while being mindful of potential backlash from consumers at home.
Notwithstanding concerns raised on the international stage, Prime Minister Kishida remains resolute in his belief that the global community is gradually gaining an “accurate understanding” of the situation. Japan’s strategy revolves around the removal of most radioactive elements from the water, with the exception of tritium, which is notoriously difficult to filter and will be diluted prior to release.
The first test results of the seawater following the discharge are anticipated to be available at the outset of September. Japan has also committed to conducting tests on fish in the waters near the plant and will publish the results on the agriculture ministry’s website for transparency and accountability.
