Japan has begun pumping treated radioactive water from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean to free up space at the damaged nuclear power plant. China was critical of the operation, calling it a “selfish and irresponsible move.” But Japan claims that this process is safe.
Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) plans to release approximately 200 or 210 cubic meters of treated wastewater. Starting from August 25, 456 cubic meters of wastewater are planned to be discharged daily, for a total of 7,800 cubic meters over 17 days.
For many years, radioactive water was treated and stored in tanks. According to TEPCO, a significant amount of this water is recycled. After the release of wastewater from the tanks, the concentration of radioactive materials in them will be extremely low. The water will be released through an underwater tunnel located about a kilometer off the Pacific coast.
TEPCO said it would immediately shut down the operation if any abnormalities were found in the drainage equipment or dissolution levels. Later, on August 24, experts will send a boat to collect water samples and check their compliance with international safety standards.
China and Pacific Rim countries oppose the release, arguing that it could have wide regional and international impacts and could potentially threaten human health and the ocean ecosystem.
“Forcing the discharge of contaminated water from the Fukushima accident into the ocean is an extremely selfish and irresponsible act that ignores international public interest. What Japan has done is to shift the risks to the whole world and spread the pain to future generations of humanity,” the Chinese Foreign Ministry said.
It is noted that the United States supported Japan, and Taiwan agreed that the amount of tritium released would likely have a minimal impact. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has recently opened an office in Fukushima and will be monitoring the situation.
