According to the director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, the discharge of the water into the Pacific Ocean “would have a negligible radiological impact on people and the environment”.
However, the agency will continue to review and monitor the release of wastewater. Before releasing the water, an assessment by a domestic nuclear regulator is required. Japanese prime Minister Fumio Kishida reaffirmed that the safety of people and the environment would not be compromised during the process. The plan has been met with criticism from China’s government, public protests in south Korea, and opposition from some local residents and members of Japan’s fishing industry.
