TOKYO — Japan plans to launch greater than 1 million metric tons of handled radioactive water from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant into the Pacific Ocean, a course of set to start this summer season and proceed for 3 a long time or extra.
For years, the contaminated water — equal to greater than 500 Olympic-size swimming swimming pools — has been saved in giant metallic tanks close to the plant, the location of one of many worst nuclear disasters in historical past. But Japan is operating out of area to construct extra tanks to accommodate the contaminated groundwater and rainwater that continues to enter the location.
The pending launch has turn into extremely politicized by neighboring international locations, together with South Korea and China. Fukushima’s fishing and agricultural industries are additionally nervous about potential reputational hurt on their merchandise, which nonetheless carry the stigma of radioactive publicity.
The Japanese public is cut up on the plan, and lots of stay distrustful of the federal government and Tokyo Electric Power Co. (TEPCO), which has been criticized for taking part in down unhealthy information concerning the severity of the catastrophe within the early days.
The International Atomic Energy Agency, , the worldwide nuclear watchdog, on July 4 launched its remaining report giving a stamp of approval for Japan’s plans. Its director basic, Rafael Grossi, is touring to Fukushima, Seoul and Pacific island nations to announce the findings and handle considerations.
Here’s what to know concerning the upcoming discharge.
