The tsunami-wrecked Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant has begun releasing its first batch of treated radioactive water into the Pacific Ocean - a controversial step that prompted China to immediately ban seafood from Japan.
People inside and outside the country protested Thursday's wastewater release, with Japanese fishing groups fearing it will further damage the reputation of their seafood and groups in China and South Korea raising concerns, making it a political and diplomatic issue.
The Japanese government and TEPCO say the water must be released to make room for the plant's decommissioning and to prevent accidental leaks. They say the treatment and dilution will make the wastewater safer than international standards and its environmental impact will be negligible. In a live video from a control room at the plant, TEPCO showed a staff member turn on a seawater pump with a click of a mouse, marking the beginning of the controversial project that is expected to last for decades.
The United States said the Japan has been “open and transparent as it has sought to responsibly manage the Fukushima Daiichi site and the eventual release of treated water, proactively coordinating with scientists and partners.” The operator checked data and the progress on a set of four monitors that show the water volume, pump conditions and any alerts.
Fukushima's fisheries, tourism and economy - which are still recovering from the disaster - worry the release could be the beginning of a new hardship.
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