Japan is set to commence the fifth release of nuclear-contaminated wastewater from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the Pacific Ocean on the morning of April 19, according to an announcement by the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) on Wednesday.
The discharge, which is expected to continue until May 7, involves the controlled release of treated water that has accumulated at the plant since the devastating earthquake and tsunami in March 2011. The Fukushima disaster led to reactor meltdowns and the release of radioactive materials, prompting ongoing efforts to manage and decommission the site.
TEPCO has been treating the contaminated water using an Advanced Liquid Processing System (ALPS) to remove most radioactive nuclides except for tritium, a radioactive isotope of hydrogen deemed less harmful in low concentrations. The Japanese government and TEPCO assert that the release is safe and complies with international standards, emphasizing that the tritium levels in the discharged water will be well below regulatory limits.
However, the plan has faced criticism and concern from neighboring countries, environmental groups, and local fishing communities. Critics argue that the long-term environmental impact of releasing radioactive substances into the ocean is not fully understood, and they call for alternative solutions, such as long-term storage or further treatment of the water.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has been involved in monitoring and reviewing Japan’s plans to ensure they meet global safety standards. The agency has stated that the radiological impact on humans and the environment is expected to be negligible.
This fifth release marks a continuation of Japan’s strategy to manage the vast quantities of water stored on-site. As the decommissioning process progresses, TEPCO and the Japanese government continue to navigate the complex challenges of balancing environmental concerns, safety standards, and the opinions of domestic and international stakeholders.
Reference(s):
Japan to start 5th discharge of nuclear-contaminated water on April 19
cgtn.com
