TOKYO, Apr 10 (NNN-NHK) – The Japanese government may announce, as early as Tuesday, plans to dispose of radioactive wastewater from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, into the Pacific Ocean, sources with knowledge of the matter said yesterday.
The sources said, the government will convene a meeting of relevant ministers and announce the decision as early as next Tuesday, to formalise plans to release radioactive water, that has accumulated at the plant, into the Pacific Ocean.
While treated, the radiation-tainted water, stored in tanks at the plant, in Japan’s north-east, is expected to reach capacity next year.
The plant had its key cooling functions knocked out, after being battered by a massive earthquake-triggered tsunami a decade ago, resulting in the world’s worst nuclear crisis since Chernobyl in 1986.
The tainted water contains radioactive tritium as a result of being used to cool down melted nuclear fuel at the plant in Fukushima Prefecture.
Japan’s fisheries industry voiced its ardent opposition to the plan, which may start in around two years, according to the plant’s operator, Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings Inc. (TEPCO), as the plan could cause further damage to the industry’s reputation.
Japanese Economy, Trade and Industry Minister, Hiroshi Kajiyama, said that, while working on the concerns of the fisheries industry, the government hopes to seek cooperation of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and other global organisations, while maintaining transparency over the matter.
A number of countries and regions continue to impose restrictions on Japanese agricultural and fishery products, as a result of the Fukushima crisis, amid continued concern about safety of the produce.
Meanwhile, Some of Japan’s neighbours have voiced their concern about radioactive wastewater being discharged into the Pacific.– NNN-NHK
