TOKYO: Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced his forthcoming visit to the tsunami-damaged Fukushima nuclear plant on Sunday, marking a pivotal step in the government’s ongoing efforts to address the release of treated radioactive wastewater.
This visit precedes the determination of a release date for the wastewater, as the government continues to engage in domestic and international dialogues to foster understanding about the contentious plan.
Kishida expressed his sentiments while speaking to reporters in Washington on Friday, immediately following his meetings with leaders from the United States and South Korea at the historic Camp David. “We are now at the definitive stage where we must make a decision,” Kishida affirmed.
The proposed release plan, introduced two years ago, has encountered significant resistance from Japanese fishing groups who apprehend potential damage to the reputation of their seafood industry, which is still recovering from the aftermath of the Fukushima disaster. This opposition has evolved into a political and diplomatic matter, with both South Korea and China voicing their concerns.
The government, along with Tokyo Electric Power Co., the operator of the Fukushima plant, has maintained that the release of the treated water is essential to create space for the plant’s decommissioning process and to avert accidental leaks from the existing storage tanks. Since a substantial portion of the water remains contaminated and requires further treatment, the release is considered a necessary step in the remediation process.
Kishida emphasized the inevitability of the release, asserting, “Postponement is not an option.” In an effort to build confidence in the plan’s safety and compliance with international standards, Japan has secured support from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). In a July report, the IAEA endorsed the TEPCO plan, affirming that if implemented rigorously, it would have minimal impact on both the environment and human health.
While addressing the concerns of the fishing community, Japan has concurrently engaged with South Korea to ensure that the release plan does not undermine their diplomatic relations. As the three nations—Japan, South Korea, and the United States—strengthen their collaboration in the face of regional challenges, progress has been made in conveying the rationale behind the plan.
Kishida acknowledged these outreach endeavours but refrained from disclosing a specific commencement date for the water release, widely speculated to occur at the end of August. The decision will factor in comprehensive safety precautions and measures to mitigate potential reputational harm to the fishing industry. Media sources suggest that the exact date will be determined during a ministerial meeting in the upcoming week.
With a strong emphasis on safety preparedness and a commitment to the welfare of all stakeholders, Kishida shared his intentions for the visit. “Before finalizing our decision, I intend to assess the situation on the ground firsthand, ensuring that the highest safety protocols are in place and that everyone involved exhibits a strong sense of responsibility for the project’s success,” he stated.
He additionally underscored the importance of TEPCO’s dedication to the decommissioning of the plant and the ongoing recovery of Fukushima.
The Fukushima Daiichi plant was severely compromised by the earthquake and tsunami of March 11, 2011, leading to the meltdown of three reactors and the contamination of cooling water. This water, intermingled with groundwater, has been continuously leaking into reactor basements. In response, the water has been collected, filtered, and stored in nearly 1,000 tanks, which are anticipated to reach capacity by early 2024.
To address the radioactive water issue, an Advanced Liquid Processing System is being employed to reduce the levels of over 60 specific radionuclides to levels compliant with government guidelines. Although the treated water is believed to have negligible environmental impacts, some experts advocate for more comprehensive scrutiny of the remaining low-dose radionuclides. They contend that the data regarding these substances’ long-term effects on the environment and marine life are insufficient and necessitate closer examination.
