MoF "Fukushima Nuclear Plant Contaminated Water Disposal Plan Should Be Discussed Within the Framework of the London Convention and Protocol"

Concerns Expressed Over Movement to Discharge Radioactive Contaminated Water into the Ocean
Japan: "Coastal Discharge Is Not a Matter for Discussion under the London Protocol"

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Joo Sang-don] The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries attended the London Convention and Protocol Parties Meeting held via video conference on the 14th and 15th, expressing concerns over the Japanese government's movement to discharge radioactive contaminated water from Fukushima into the ocean. The ministry also raised the opinion that this issue needs to be continuously discussed within the London Convention and Protocol, which primarily aim to protect the marine environment.

The Parties Meeting is a forum to discuss the implementation measures of parties regarding the prohibition of marine dumping of waste. South Korea has been a member country since joining the London Convention in 1993 and the London Protocol in 2009.

This year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was difficult to adopt and discuss all 17 agenda items usually discussed at the Parties Meeting. Considering this, the joint secretariat of the London Convention and Protocol limited the number of agenda items to six for this video conference. As a result, most agenda items, including 'Radioactive Waste Management,' were postponed to next year's Parties Meeting. Considering the urgency of the matter, South Korea submitted a statement related to the compliance agenda of the Parties Meeting to ensure that the issue of treating contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant could be discussed again this year following last year.

Subsequently, at this Parties Meeting, South Korea argued that even if the contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant is discharged along the coast rather than from ships, there is concern that it could affect neighboring countries beyond Japan's jurisdiction. Therefore, for preventive purposes, related information should be shared and appropriate treatment measures discussed within the London Convention and Protocol.

On the other hand, Japan maintained its existing position that this issue is not a matter for discussion under the London Protocol because it involves coastal discharge rather than marine dumping from ships. However, Japan stated that it will not discharge radioactive contaminated water that does not meet international standards into the ocean and will continue to share relevant information with the international community and neighboring countries as it has done so far.

Song Myung-dal, Director of Marine Environment Policy at the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, said, "Until now, many opinions at the Parties Meeting held that the issue of treating Fukushima radioactive contaminated water is not a matter to be discussed under the London Convention and Protocol." He added, "However, at this meeting, some countries raised the argument that it is necessary to clarify whether this issue potentially constitutes a violation of the obligations of parties under the London Protocol and that it should be discussed within the Protocol."

He continued, "Since opinions were raised that the discussion of this issue should be postponed to the next session, it was difficult to make a decision at this meeting," and said, "We will continue to request and respond to the Japanese government so that the treatment plan for nuclear power plant contaminated water can be decided through transparent procedures for the safe use of the ocean shared by the entire world."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.