The UN nuclear agency gave its endorsement on Tuesday to Japan's planned release of treated radioactive wastewater into the sea from the damaged Fukushima nuclear plant, saying it meets international standards and its environmental and health impact would be negligible.
The plan is opposed by groups in South Korea, China and some Pacific Island nations because of safety concerns and political reasons. Local fishing organizations are worried that their reputation will be damaged even if their catch isn't contaminated.
Japan's plan and the equipment for the discharge are "in conformity with the agreed international standards and its application," Grossi said. But Haruhiko Terasawa, head of the Miyagi prefectural fisheries cooperatives, said they will continue to oppose the release while concerns remain. Some scientists say the impact of long-term, low-dose exposure to radionuclides remains unknown and urge a delay in the release. Others say the discharge plan is safe but call for more transparency in sampling and monitoring.
The government and TEPCO say the water must be removed to prevent any accidental leaks and make room for the damaged plant's decommissioning.
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