Japan's Fukushima water release plan meets international standards, Korea says

Home > National > Social Affairs

Japan's Fukushima water release plan meets international standards, Korea says

Published: 07 Jul. 2023, 11:40

Government Policy Coordination Minister Bang Moon-kyu announced the government's take on the Japan's plan to release treated radioactive wastewater at the government complex in central Seoul on Thursday. [YONHAP]

Japan's plan to release treated radioactive wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear plant would meet international standards if carried out as planned, the government said.

The government's review of the plan was based on findings from an on-site inspection in May and the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA's) final report released Tuesday.

"Upon reviewing Japan's plan to release the wastewater, the Korean government has confirmed that the plan meets the maritime emission standard [set out by Tokyo Electric Power Corporation] for radioactive density," Government Policy Coordination Minister Bang Moon-kyu said.

"it will take four to five years, or up to 10 years, for the radiation impact to reach Korean waters."

Ban added the tritium levels are estimated to increase by less than one-100,000th of the current level, even when the impact reaches Korean shores.

Bang reiterated the government's 'respect' toward the IAEA's safety report.

BY SOHN DONG-JOO [sohn.dongjoo@joongang.co.kr]