Fukushima to Release Treated Water into Pacific Ocean, Igniting Global Concern
In a move that has sparked controversy and international concern, the Japanese government has announced its plans to release treated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean. The release is scheduled to begin on August 24, pending favorable weather conditions.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida stated, I expect the water release to start on August 24, weather conditions permitting. The announcement comes after the government claimed to have obtained a certain level of understanding from the fishing industry regarding the water release. However, fishing groups continue to express fears that the reputation of their livelihoods will be irreparably damaged.
Tokyo Electric Power Co (Tepco), the operator of the Fukushima plant, has outlined that the water will be released in smaller portions with additional checks. Initially, a total of 7,800 cubic meters of water will be discharged over a period of approximately 17 days, starting Thursday. Tepco assures that the water will contain around 190 becquerels of tritium per liter, which is below the World Health Organization’s drinking water limit of 10,000 becquerels per liter. It is important to note that a becquerel is a unit of radioactivity.
Japan has emphasized that the water release is safe, receiving support from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog. In July, the IAEA approved the plan, stating that it meets international standards and that its impact on people and the environment is negligible.
According to a survey conducted by Japanese broadcaster FNN, 56% of respondents expressed support for the water release, while 37% opposed it. However, despite these assurances, neighboring countries continue to express skepticism about the safety of the plan. China, in particular, has been the most critical. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin labeled the move extremely selfish and lodged a formal complaint. Wang expressed deep concern over the decision and pledged that China would take necessary measures to protect the marine environment, food safety, and public health.
Meanwhile, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee has condemned the discharge as irresponsible and announced immediate activation of import controls on Japanese seafood from regions including Tokyo and Fukushima, effective from Thursday. Similar measures will also be implemented by Macau, covering live, frozen, refrigerated, and dried seafood, as well as sea salt and seaweed.
South Korea has stated that it does not have a problem with the scientific or technical aspects of the plan but does not necessarily support it. President Yoon Suk Yeol faces the challenge of striking a balance between improving relations with Japan and potential backlash from consumers at home.
Despite concerns raised abroad, Prime Minister Kishida believes that the international community is gaining an accurate understanding of the matter. Japan has pledged to remove most radioactive elements from the water, with the exception of tritium, as it is difficult to filter and must be diluted.
Experts have pointed out that nuclear power plants worldwide have routinely discharged water containing tritium for over 60 years without any harm to people or the environment, often at higher levels than the planned 22 terabecquerels (TBq) per year for Fukushima. Tony Irwin, an honorary associate professor at the Australian National University, emphasized this point in a statement.
Initial test results regarding the seawater’s condition after the discharge are expected to be available at the beginning of September. Japan will also conduct tests on fish in the waters near the plant and make the results accessible on the agriculture ministry’s website.
In conclusion, the Japanese government’s decision to release treated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean has triggered controversy and international concern. While Japan assures the safety of the water release and has garnered support from the IAEA, neighboring countries like China express skepticism and take measures to protect their interests. The international community remains divided on this issue, which raises questions about the long-term consequences of such a decision.
