IAEA Secretary General: "Japan's Contaminated Water Discharge Policy Aligns with International Practices... Welcomed"

by Woo Sooyoun

Published 13 Apr.2021 18:04(KST)

[Asia Economy Reporter Suyeon Woo] The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General expressed support for Japan's decision to discharge radioactive contaminated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident, calling it an "international practice."

On the 13th (local time), Rafael Grossi, IAEA Director General, stated in a press release, "We welcome Japan's announcement of the decision on how to handle the treated water stored at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant," adding, "The IAEA is ready to provide technical support to monitor and verify the safe and transparent implementation of this plan."

He continued, "The controlled discharge of water into the ocean is routinely used worldwide and regionally under specific regulatory permits based on safety and environmental impact assessments for operating nuclear power plants," and added, "The treatment method chosen by Japan is technically feasible and also follows international practices."

Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) / Photo by Yonhap News

Director General Grossi praised Japan's decision as a significant event laying the foundation for the continued decommissioning of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. He also used terms such as "treated water," "controlled water," and "water," which are preferred by the Japanese government, instead of the term "contaminated water."

Grossi said, "Nuclear safety is a national responsibility, and how to handle the important issue of water management is a matter for the Japanese government," adding, "I am confident that the Japanese government will continue to engage transparently with all stakeholders to implement today's decision."