Japan's Controversial Plan to Release Treated Radioactive Water into the Ocean Approved by UN Watchdog

25-07-2023 

Dana Andreeva

Team Japan Researcher,

Global Human Rights Defence

Japan is set to release treated radioactive water into the ocean after receiving approval from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the United Nations' nuclear watchdog. (IAEA, 2023) This plan comes 12 years after the Fukushima nuclear meltdown, and despite the UN's approval, neighbouring countries and local fishermen remain concerned about potential risks. (Jozuka et al., 2023)

The issue dates back to the devastating 2011 earthquake and tsunami that damaged the Fukushima nuclear plant's power supply and cooling systems. (Ripley et al., 2016) As a result, the reactor cores overheated, contaminating the water within the plant with highly radioactive material. Since then, new water has been pumped in to cool the fuel debris, leading to the accumulation of radioactive wastewater that needs to be contained and treated. (Yeung et al., 2023)

Currently, the state-owned electricity firm Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) has over 1,000 massive tanks holding approximately 1.32 million metric tons of wastewater, equivalent to more than 500 Olympic pools. However, the available space for these tanks is running out, making it necessary to find a solution to safely decommission the plant. (Yeung et al., 2023)

The major concern surrounding the treated wastewater release is the presence of a hydrogen isotope called radioactive tritium, which cannot be entirely removed through treatment. (Yeung et al., 2023) However, Japan's government and the IAEA argue that the released water will be highly diluted and pose minimal radiological impact on people and the environment. (IAEA, 2023, III)

The plan involves treating the wastewater to remove harmful elements, storing it in tanks, and then diluting it to a concentration of 1,500 becquerels of tritium per litre of clean water. This level would be within or lower than the limits set by other countries for treated wastewater release. The diluted water would then be released through an undersea tunnel into the Pacific Ocean, and third-party monitoring, including by the IAEA, would ensure compliance with international safety standards throughout the process. (IAEA, 2022) 

While the US has supported Japan's decision, some of Japan's neighbours, (Price, 2021) like China and South Korea, have expressed scepticism and concern about the potential harm to the marine environment and human health. Protests have been held in these countries, with some citizens stockpiling seafood and sea salt, fearing the impact of the released water on these products. (Xiaobo, 2023) (Han-joo, 2023)

The Japanese public is also divided on the matter, with a survey showing that 51% of respondents supported the wastewater release, while 41% opposed it. (Ishimoto, 2023) Fishermen in Fukushima, where the nuclear disaster occurred, have been particularly vocal against the plan, fearing further damage to their livelihoods and regional reputation. (Jozuka et al., 2023)

In conclusion, Japan's plan to release treated radioactive water into the ocean has been met with mixed reactions. While the UN's approval and assurances from Japanese authorities and the IAEA have been presented, concerns from neighbouring countries and local communities persist. The potential impact on the marine environment and human health remains a contentious issue, and the release plan continues to be a subject of global debate and scrutiny.

Sources and further readings:

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) (2023). IAEA Comprehensive Report on the Safety Review of the ALPS-Treated Water at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (IAEA). https://www.iaea.org/sites/default/files/iaea_comprehensive_alps_report.pdf

Jozuka, E., Shveda, K., Ogura, J., Stewart, M. (2023, April 26). Fukushima’s fishing industry survived a nuclear disaster. 12 years on, it fears Tokyo’s next move may finish it off. CNN. https://edition.cnn.com/2023/04/19/asia/japan-fukushima-disaster-wastewater-fishing-concerns-hnk-dst-dg-intl/index.html 

Ripley, W., Ogura, J., Griffiths, J. (2016, March 11) Fukushima: Five years after Japan’s worst nuclear disaster. CNN. https://edition.cnn.com/201

6/03/08/asia/fukushima-five-year-anniversary/index.html 

Yeung, J., Maruyama, M., & Jozuka, E. (2023, July 5). Japan will soon release Fukushima radioactive water into the ocean. How worried should we be? CNN. https://edition.cnn.com/2023/07/04/asia/japan-fukushima-wastewater-explainer-intl-hnk/index.html

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) (2022). IAEA Review of Safety Related Aspects of Handling ALPS-Treated Water at TEPCO’s Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station - Report 3: Status of IAEA’s Independent Sampling, Data Corroboration, and Analysis (IAEA). https://www.iaea.org/sites/default/files/3rd_alps_report.pdf 

Price, N., (2021, April 12) Government of Japan’s Announcement on Fukushima Treated Water Release Decision [Press Release]. https://www.state.gov/government-of-japans-announcement-on-fukushima-treated-water-release-decision/ 

Xiaobo, S., (2023, March 16) Remarks by Director-General of the Department of Arms Control of the Foreign Ministry Sun Xiaobo at the “Linjia 7 Salon—Press Conference on Japan’s Disposal of the Fukushima Nuclear Contaminated Water” [Press Release]. fmprc.gov.cn/eng/wjdt_665385/zyjh_665391/202303/t20230317_11043795.html 

Han-joo, K., (2023, June 14) Opposition leader slams PM for saying water from Fukushima plant is drinkable. Yonhap News Agency. https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20230614002900315?section=news 

Ishimoto, T., (2023, March 20) Survey: 51% support releasing treated nuclear water into ocean. The Asahi Shimbun. https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14865588