U.S. says it welcomes IAEA report Fukushima water release

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U.S. says it welcomes IAEA report Fukushima water release

Published: 06 Jul. 2023, 09:57 Updated: 06 Jul. 2023, 10:49

International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Marino Grossi speaks to Japanese officials Wednesday. [YONHAP]

The United States welcomes the outcome of a review by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on the planned discharge of treated water from Japan's Fukushima nuclear power plant, a State Department spokesperson said Wednesday.

The spokesperson also noted that Japan has been transparent about its plan to release treated water from the damaged Fukushima plant.

"The United States welcomes the [IAEA's] report noting Japan's plans to release treated water from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear site are safe and consistent with internationally accepted nuclear safety standards," department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a statement.

"Since the 2011 nuclear accident, Japan has proactively coordinated with the IAEA on its plans and conducted a science-based and transparent process. We look forward to Japan's continued cooperation with the IAEA as its process moves forward," he added.

The statement comes after an IAEA task force of international experts concluded after a two-year review that the planned discharge of treated water would have a "negligible" impact on people and the environment.

Another state department spokesperson has insisted that "science" should dictate the planned release of treated water.

"The task force assessed the plans for the release of treated water against IAEA nuclear safety standards, which it developed in consultation with all IAEA member states, including many small island developing states, and which reflect an international consensus on what constitutes a high level of safety for protecting people and the environment from harmful effects of ionizing radiation," the spokesperson told Yonhap News Agency on the condition of anonymity.

"We understand Japan has also consulted scientists and partners from across the Indo-Pacific region on its plans," the spokesperson had added.

Yonhap