Fukushima to Release Over a Million Cubic Meters Water From Nuclear Plant; Officials Urge Locals Stop Swimming

Considering that Fukushima is about to release over a million cubic meters of treated water from its nuclear reactor, authorities are advising locals to avoid swimming in the region for the time being.

No Swimming

Natsuo Yamaguchi, the leader of the Komeito party, the coalition partner of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, stated on Sunday that swimming should be avoided this summer owing to the imminent release of treated water from the defunct Fukushima nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean.

Yamaguchi emphasized the importance of avoiding spreading inaccurate reports.

This summer, the government intends to begin discharging the previously polluted water from the Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings facility in Fukushima Prefecture. The triple meltdown in March 2011 occurred at the facility.

Over 1 Million Cubic meterss of Treated Water

Yamaguchi requested that the administration carefully consider the timing. In order to assure universal comprehension, their coalition is requesting that the government first thoroughly explain the safety of the treated water to the people of Japan and the worldwide community.

Yamaguchi expressed his hope that the administration will thoroughly and patiently discuss the water release plan in light of the local fishermen's ongoing objections, The Japan Times reports.

The Nuclear Regulation Authority inspectors will evaluate the treated water transfer equipment and its safety systems during the course of their three-day assessment, according to Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings.

Although a precise date has not been determined, the water release permits may be granted approximately a week later, and TEPCO may begin discharging the water shortly after.

Opposition and Concerns

Local fishing organizations have vehemently opposed the plan out of concern for safety and brand damage. Although the Japanese government and TEPCO pledged in 2015 not to release the water without the fishing community's approval, many in the fishing community claim the plan was implemented anyway.

The leader of the Fukushima Fisheries Federation, Nozaki Tetsu, confirmed via Aljazeera on Tuesday that fishermen do not support the wastewater release proposal.

On the other hand, Japan has reassured foreign countries that the water discharge is safe, in line with industry best practices, and required because the capacity of around 1,000 storage tanks at the nuclear plant will be reached early in 2024. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency via Bloomberg, other nations with nuclear power reactors have already safely discharged similar diluted waste offshore.

It also coincides with a wider worldwide review of nuclear power, in which some countries are looking to increase their energy independence by restarting idle reactors, building new plants, or investing in cutting-edge technologies. Japan's efforts toward the closure of the Fukushima facility are considered vital in fostering confidence, and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is hoping to build on improved domestic support for the energy source, Bloomberg reports.