Japan to release nuclear-contaminated water from Fukushima
Japan is set to begin releasing nuclear-contaminated water from the Fukushima power plant into the open sea as early as this week.
The decision has resulted in a huge backlash across Asia and around the world.
In Seoul, South Korea environmental groups and supporters have protested the decision.
The Japanese Prime Minister, Fumio Kishida, toured the water treatment facility at the Fukushima power plant on Sunday.
On Tuesday the Tokyo Electric Power Company, TEPCO, announced the contaminated wastewater at the plant would be released beginning as early as Thursday.
We will continue to steadily advance the decommissioning process of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant and proceed with the measures dealing with the treated wastewater while placing the highest priority on safety.
Junichi Matsumoto, TEPCO
In Seoul South Korean activists scuffled with riot police trying to contain the protest.
Protesters argue that the measures to dispose of the water should be investigated and warn of the risks of the impending release of contaminated water into the ocean.
When the nuclear contaminated water is discharged into the ocean it will spread around the entire world.
Even if there is no problem for now, in the long term, it could cause radiation exposure and destroy the ocean ecosystem [sic].
Inhee Byeon, Green Korea United
Since the nuclear accident in 2011 any and all water used to cool the molten core of the nuclear reactors has been stored. The available storage space is approaching full capacity.
The South Korean government's response to Japan's plan to release the nuclear contaminated water from the Fukushima power plant has been muted.
President Yoon Suk Yeol has prioritized strengthening the country's alliance with the United States and Japan at the expense of the environment.
While the environmental damage caused by the release of the wastewater may be severe, fishermen in Japan and the region are also concerned about reputational damage.
Opposition South Korean lawmakers have objected that the President's priorities are confused.
Of course, the Japanese government can lie for their sake and for TEPCO, but why is the administration of Yoon Suk Yeol representing the Japanese government, and TEPCO, rather than our people?
Kang Eun-mi, Justice Party (South Korea) National Assembly Member
Japan's release of the nuclear wastewater is scheduled to take several decades to complete.
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