The Fukushima plant operator applied for construction approval of the sea tunnel which will release treated radioactive water half a mile from the plant.
The operator of the damaged Fukushima nuclear plant is one step closer to releasing treated radioactive water into the Pacific ocean after applying for approval Tuesday to create a tunnel to the Pacific ocean to dispose of the water safely.
TEPCO plans to create the sea tunnel so they can release a massive amount of treated radioactive water into the ocean. The Nuclear Regulation Authority needs to approve the plan, including the tunnel's design, equipment needed to dilute the water and other materials. TEPCO wants to start construction in June so they can begin to release the radioactive water by April 2023.
About 1,000 storage tanks filled with the radioactive water need to be removed to make room for facilities necessary for the plant's decommissioning, TEPCO says.