Government Concludes Japan's Contaminated Water Discharge Plan 'Meets' International Standards

Government Confirms Japan's Contaminated Water Discharge Plan
Meets IAEA and International Standards
"Will Recommend Shortening ALPS Inspection Cycle"
Civic Groups Anticipate Repercussions

The government has concluded that Japan's own verification results of the Fukushima nuclear power plant contaminated water show that "the impact on our waters is about 1/100,000 of the current level," and that it complies with international standards. This is the same 'passing grade' given to the contaminated water discharge plan by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). In 2021, the average tritium concentration in domestic waters was 0.172 Bq/L, and even if Japan discharges the contaminated water, the concentration would only increase by 1/100,000 of that level.

The Korean government's judgment that Japan's Fukushima contaminated water 'complies' is expected to cause significant repercussions. This is because the Korean government, as the closest neighboring country, has independently analyzed the situation separately from the IAEA for two years and finally declared that there is 'no safety issue.' Following the IAEA's final report, this solidifies Japan's justification for discharge, but domestic opposition is expected to be considerable.

Government: Japan's contaminated water discharge plan complies with IAEA and international standards

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 7th, the government held a 'Fukushima Contaminated Water Daily Briefing' at the Gwanghwamun Government Seoul Office and announced the final review results. At the briefing, Visit Kyoo, Minister of the Office for Government Policy Coordination, stated, "Japan's plan meets the marine discharge standards for total radioactive material concentration (sum of concentration ratios below 1), and for tritium, it achieves even lower target levels (Japan's standard 60,000 Bq/L, target 1,500 Bq/L), confirming compliance with IAEA and other international standards." However, Minister Bang noted, "This review opinion is based on the premise that Tokyo Electric Power Company's treatment plan is adhered to as planned."

In the final review report, the government predicted that the contaminated water's impact on Korean waters would reach about 0.000001 Bq/L near a point 100 km southeast of Jeju Island after 10 years. It also forecasted an increase of 0.0001 Bq/L several months later about 400 km east of Fukushima's offshore, and an increase of 0.0001 Bq/L six years later about 1,000 km southwest. Therefore, the radiation exposure dose to our waters is extremely minimal and meets safety standards.

The government also assessed that the Advanced Liquid Processing System (ALPS), the core device for contaminated water purification, can maintain performance if adsorbent replacement and inspections are conducted timely. Regarding dilution of contaminated water, it judged that seawater channels sufficiently dilute the tritium concentration to meet the discharge target (below 1,500 Bq/L). It also confirmed supplementary devices to prevent contaminated water discharge in case of unexpected abnormal situations.

Government to recommend shortening ALPS inspection intervals

However, the government announced that technical improvements identified during its review process would be conveyed to the Japanese government in the form of recommendations. Since ALPS filter failures have been repeated, it will recommend ▲ shortening inspection intervals, ▲ adding nuclide measurements during annual inlet and outlet concentration measurements of ALPS, and ▲ re-conducting radiation impact assessments if there are crew changes or port changes. Additionally, it will recommend ▲ evaluating and disclosing residents' radiation exposure doses based on actual discharge amounts.

The government plans to continuously verify whether Japan's contaminated water discharge standards and targets are met. If abnormal situations occur, it will establish a response system through information sharing between Japan's Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA) and Korea's Nuclear Safety and Security Commission (NSSC). The government stated, "The technical review team will be maintained, and scientific and technical reviews and verification work will continue."

Radiation monitoring of Korean waters will also be strengthened. Marine radiation monitoring, conducted since 1994, will be expanded to 200 locations, and radiation concentrations will be measured and publicly disclosed in detail. Furthermore, the government will continue to participate in verification processes related to Fukushima contaminated water discharge, such as the IAEA verification monitoring task force and sample cross-analysis programs.

Independent verification started in 2021 for two years... Meeting with IAEA Director General scheduled for the 8th

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The Korean government began examining Japan's Fukushima contaminated water discharge plan in August 2021. After conducting independent scientific and technical reviews, an agreement was reached during the Korea-Japan summit on May 7 to dispatch a Korean nuclear power plant inspection team. On May 22, 21 experts conducted a 5-night, 6-day inspection of the nuclear power plant site and key equipment.

Earlier, on the 4th, the IAEA announced that Japan's Fukushima contaminated water marine discharge plan complies with international safety standards. Rafael Grossi, IAEA Director General, stated in the final report submitted to Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, "The controlled and gradual discharge of treated water (the official Japanese term for contaminated water) into the sea results in radiation impacts on people and the environment that are negligible."

Director General Grossi also explained at a subsequent press conference, "We evaluated over two years," and "The suitability of the (contaminated water discharge) is certain and technically reliable." The government said regarding the IAEA report, "It only verifies the appropriateness of the plan presented by Japan," and added, "Going forward, the government will consult with the IAEA and Japan to understand Japan's final discharge plan and conduct additional reviews if there are changes to the contaminated water treatment plan, and will announce the details later."

Meanwhile, Director General Grossi, scheduled to arrive in Korea on a late-night flight to Gimpo on the same day, will meet consecutively with NSSC Chairperson Yoo Guk-hee and Foreign Minister Park Jin on the 8th and return the following evening.

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