Japan plans to begin a decades-long process of releasing treated wastewater from the 2011 Fukushima nuclear meltdown into the Pacific Ocean on Thursday.
The decision, the latest in a long process of cleaning up one of history's worst nuclear accidents, has faced significant opposition. Concerns range from environmental risks to economic impacts on fishing. The discharge process is projected to last for decades, perhaps up to 40 years.
An underground pipeline, extending more than half a mile will channel the treated wastewater into the Pacific Ocean. Junichi Matsumoto, the TEPCO executive in charge of the operation, emphasized that safety will be paramount throughout the process. Kishida, facing an enormous challenge from slumping poll numbers and domestic and international opposition to the plan, appeared to achieve the optics he was seeking. Grossi managed to create some separation between his U.N. watchdog group and the decision to proceed with the wastewater release, distancing the organization from direct responsibility.
"Extensive research and simulations from various countries and agencies suggest it would take several years for the wastewater to affect South Korean waters," said Bang Moon-kyu, minister of the Office for Government Policy Coordination for South Korea. Japan maintains that the planned release of tritium is within safe limits, even lower than the levels considered acceptable by the World Health Organization for drinking water.People who operating commercial fishing vessels in Japan's Northeastern waters, which lie in the path of the planned release, expressed concern over the potential impact on their livelihoods.
Park questioned Japan's assertion that the water is safe, suggesting that if it were true, Japan could utilize it for agricultural or industrial purposes within its own country instead of releasing it into the sea. He called upon the Japanese government to retract the plan immediately and explore alternative options.
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