NHK



 

A Japanese official has stressed at the International Atomic Energy Agency's annual conference that the treated and diluted water that has been released into the ocean from the damaged Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant is safe.

Japan Atomic Energy Commission Chairperson Uesaka Mitsuru made the remark on Monday. He was responding to a statement made by a Chinese representative who described the water as "nuclear-contaminated" water.

Vice Chairman of China Atomic Energy Authority Liu Jing reiterated China's firm opposition to the release of the treated and diluted water.

Uesaka said that the water is discharged after it has been sufficiently purified by the Advance Liquid Processing System, or ALPS, and after it is diluted with seawater; thus, it has no impact on people and the environment.

He added, "Therefore, it is not appropriate to describe the discharged water as contaminated water."

The operator of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant started releasing the treated and diluted water into the ocean about one year ago.

The water is discharged from the plant after it undergoes treatment processes to remove most of the radioactive materials, and after it has been diluted to levels below those set out in national regulations. The tritium levels of the water are reduced to about one-seventh of the World Health Organization's guidance level for drinking water.

A Japanese foreign ministry official says the ministry believes the international community has deepened its understanding of Japan's water discharge process, as the country has explained the measures in a highly transparent manner based on scientific knowledge and in cooperation with the IAEA.

The official says the ministry will continue to provide information on the matter to China and other countries.

The IAEA General Conference is being held in Vienna, Austria, and it will run through Friday.