Last year the government decided to release the wastewater as a necessary step to clean and decommission the plant, and accordingly the Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings submitted a plan in December.
On Wednesday, Japan's nuclear regulator approved plans made by the plant's operator to release the treated radioactive wastewater into the sea in 2023, assuring that the outlined methods are safe and risks to the environment minimal.
But the surrounding communities and neighbouring countries aren't convinced and concerned about the potential health hazards as the wastewater also contains tritium, a byproduct of nuclear power production, which is highly carcinogenic.
The government and TEPCO say more than 60 isotopes selected for treatment can be lowered to meet safety standards, except for tritium, but that it is safe if diluted. Although, scientists warn about its unknown impact on the environment and humans. It's also said that, tritium can have a bigger impact on humans via seafood consumption than through water.
Japan has sought the assistance of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to ensure the plan meets international safety standards, and also to reassure locals, fishing communities as well as neighbouring nations that have sharply criticized the plan.
According to the plan, the treated nuclear wastewater will be transported from the tanks to a coastal facility below releasable levels through a pipeline, where it will be diluted with seawater.
In the next step, the water will be discharged at a point about 1 kilometer (0.6 mile) from the plant via undersea tunnel to ensure safety and minimize the impact on local fishing and the environment.
An IAEA team of experts visited the Fukushima in February to meet government and TEPCO officials. In a report issued late April, the task force said Japan is making “significant progress” and taking appropriate steps toward the wastewater discharge.
Source: The Associated Press
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