Government: No Use of "Anxiety" Term for Japan's Contaminated Water; Former IAEA Director: "Report's Independence is High"

On the 22nd, the government opened the possibility of changing the term related to the Fukushima nuclear power plant’s ‘contaminated water,’ stating that “terms that cause vague anxiety among the public should not be used.”

At a daily briefing on the discharge of Fukushima contaminated water held at the Government Complex Seoul, Park Gu-yeon, the First Deputy Minister of the Office for Government Policy Coordination, was asked whether the water that has passed through the Advanced Liquid Processing System (ALPS), which removes multiple radionuclides, should continue to be labeled as ‘contaminated water’ or be referred to as ‘treated water’ as in English-speaking countries. He responded, “At this time, rather than escalating controversy over terminology, we should first verify scientifically whether it is safe.”

However, Deputy Minister Park mentioned that considering the international situation in the future, “we need to consider an appropriate term.” He explained that if the term ‘contaminated water’ continues to be used, “there is also a negative image for fishermen and the fisheries industry,” and “if that aspect is emphasized, it might be better to switch terms.” Nevertheless, he repeatedly emphasized that currently, “it is not a stage to worry much about the terminology.” He also added to the media, “It would be better not to use terms that are too provocative and cause vague anxiety among the public.”

[Image source=Yonhap News]

원본보기 아이콘

A domestic nuclear expert who served as a director at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) during the Fukushima nuclear accident also attended the daily briefing that day. Han Pil-su, former Director of the IAEA’s Radiation Transport and Waste Safety Division, said, “Since the IAEA is an international organization, it pays great attention to maintaining its independence.”

Former Director Han explained, “Japan participates in forming and operating the investigation team and understanding the current status related to contaminated water, but about 15 to 20 experts from various countries gather to discuss the results and prepare the final report.”

He refuted suspicions that the report might be biased in favor of Japan because Japan pays a large share of the IAEA’s operating costs. Former Director Han said, “The contribution fees are almost automatically calculated based on economic size,” and “there is no visible interest or influence based on the contribution fees.” He emphasized, “I want to say that there has been no controversy regarding expertise or objectivity when the IAEA has released reports so far.”

Former Director Han started working at the IAEA on January 4, 2011. About two months later, on March 11, the Fukushima nuclear accident occurred. He worked as the deputy head of the investigation team related to contaminated water and directly experienced the formation and operation of the investigation team.

© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.