Japan has begun the fourth discharge of treated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the Pacific Ocean on Wednesday at around 11:30 a.m. local time. The Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) announced that approximately 7,800 tonnes of wastewater will be released in this phase, which is expected to continue until March 17.
Despite ongoing concerns and opposition both domestically and internationally, TEPCO asserts that the release complies with safety standards and poses no significant risk to the environment. The company has been treating the contaminated water through an Advanced Liquid Processing System (ALPS) to remove most radioactive materials before dilution and release.
The decision to release the treated water has faced criticism from local fishermen, environmental groups, and neighboring countries, who fear potential impacts on marine life and public health. TEPCO and the Japanese government maintain that the discharge is necessary to manage the accumulating wastewater stored on-site since the 2011 earthquake and tsunami that led to the nuclear disaster.
International bodies, including the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), have been involved in monitoring the process to ensure compliance with global safety standards. Nevertheless, the controversy continues as stakeholders call for greater transparency and consideration of alternative solutions.
