Japan’s nuclear water release will commence in two years. The Japanese government announced its decision to dump treated nuclear waste into the ocean.
The water being discussed is the wastewater remaining from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster a decade ago. An earthquake offshore ignited a tsunami. After that, the tsunami flooded the shoreline and the power plant. The plant then dumped cooling water into its reactor to prevent the cores from melting. As a result of this, all of the contaminated water now sits housed in large tanks on the site.
Many health organizations and fishermen oppose Japan’s nuclear water release. Japan’s Prime Minister, Yoshihide Suga, however, promises safety. According to his office, the water in the tanks will be diluted prior to discharge, resulting in a tritium concentration much lower than Japan’s national regulatory standards and compliant with international norms.
Neighboring countries, China and South Korea, responded by questioning the safety of Japan’s nuclear water release. The South Korean Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesman, Choi Young-sam, addressed Japan, expressing their concerns. He stated, “If Japan releases contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant without proper consultation, it will be challenging for us to accept.”
Meanwhile, Mariano Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, also made an interesting statement. He stated that there won’t be any glowing sea or dead fish, nor will the Pacific Ocean be harmed. Similar actions have been taken in the North Atlantic, the Mediterranean, and various other locations worldwide without any negative environmental impact.
