Regarding the disposal of water containing radioactive substances such as tritium, which is increasing at TEPCO's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Kajiyama met with IAEA, the secretary general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Glossy. We obtained consent to cooperate in dispelling the concerns of neighboring countries.
Regarding water containing tritium, etc., in February last year, a national subcommittee compiled a report stating that it is realistic to dilute it to a concentration below the standard and release it into the sea or the atmosphere, and the government is considering a disposal method. However, there are concerns from the local community and neighboring countries.
Minister Kajiyama met with IAEA Secretary-General Glossy on the 23rd at a video conference, saying, "We are making final adjustments to make policy decisions, but it is important to dispel safety concerns and rumors. I asked for cooperation.
In response, Secretary-General Glossy said, "Japan has sufficient technological capabilities, and the IAEA will cooperate as a technically neutral institution," and agreed.
When the government decides on a disposal policy, the IAEA will continuously confirm the disposal method and the appropriateness of environmental monitoring based on scientific knowledge, and will disseminate the results to the international community.
The government says that gaining the understanding of international organizations is an important process in deciding the disposal policy of treated water, and will make conclusions at the right time in the future.