Pacific Peril: Japan Nears Decision on Fukushima's Treated Water Discharge
- IndiaGlitz, [Tuesday,August 22 2023]
Japan's industry minister announced that the government has gained a certain level of acceptance from the fishing industry regarding the release of treated radioactive water from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the Pacific Ocean. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Industry Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura met with Masanobu Sakamoto, head of the National Federation of Fisheries Cooperative Associations, to assure safety related to the water discharge.
Nishimura believed that this understanding could lead to a government decision on the matter, expected to be made on Tuesday. However, the timeline for the actual discharge wasn't mentioned.
Japan's plan to release treated water from the damaged nuclear reactor has drawn criticism domestically and internationally, including from the fishing industry, which is concerned about its reputation. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) approved the plan last month, stating that the impact would be negligible on people and the environment.
Despite assurances, the prospect of releasing over a million tons of water into the Pacific has caused alarm. The fishing industry's concerns, while recognizing scientific safety, revolve around potential harm to their livelihoods.
The water, equivalent to 500 Olympic-size swimming pools, has been primarily used to cool damaged nuclear reactors since the 2011 disaster. Although mostly treated to remove radioactive elements, tritium remains, requiring dilution.
Kishida, who visited the plant recently, noted the urgency of the water release. While acknowledging the industry's worries, he emphasized the necessity of disposal and promised to ensure the fishing industry's stability in the long run.
China and citizens' groups in Japan and South Korea have opposed the plan, leading to concerns about its broader implications.