Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Nishimura visited Fukushima Prefecture on the 30th and exchanged opinions with local fishermen regarding the release of treated water containing radioactive materials accumulated at the Tokyo Electric Power Company's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, as well as measures to address concerns about harmful rumors. I showed the idea of tackling firmly.
Regarding the treated water that accumulates at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, Tokyo Electric Power plans to release it into the sea from next spring in accordance with the government's policy.
Regarding this matter, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Nishimura visited a fishing port in Soma City, Fukushima Prefecture on the 30th and exchanged opinions with local fishermen.
At the outset, Minister Nishimura said, "I would like to once again apologize for causing trouble and burden for the 11-and-a-half years since the earthquake. When releasing treated water, we are premised on ensuring safety and thoroughly preventing harmful rumors." and asked for understanding.
In response, fishermen have voiced concerns over reputational damage, such as whether the landed marine products can be sold at a fair price.
As a countermeasure, the government has set up a fund of 30 billion yen to support fishermen, not only to temporarily purchase frozen marine products from fishermen, but also to use it for facility maintenance. Opinions were expressed as desired.
Minister Nishimura said, "We will listen to the earnest voices and work to realize even one. Regarding countermeasures against harmful rumors, in addition to responding domestically, we will also carefully and tenaciously proceed overseas through embassies and the media." Said, he showed his intention to work hard so that there would be no impact on the fishery.
The issue of how to obtain the understanding of local people and fishermen for the discharge of treated water
Regarding the release of treated water containing radioactive substances such as tritium accumulated at TEPCO's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station into the sea, TEPCO's plan was approved by the Nuclear Regulation Authority, and Fukushima Prefecture and local governments decided to construct the facility. In response to the agreement, full-scale construction such as the undersea tunnel used for release began in August this year.
TEPCO is aiming to start discharging from around next spring based on the government's policy, but it indicates that the completion of the necessary construction may be delayed around next summer depending on the weather conditions.
To ensure safety, an objective review by the IAEA = International Atomic Energy Agency is also being conducted, and will continue until the release of treated water is over.
On the other hand, there are deep-rooted concerns about harmful rumors from local residents and fishermen about the discharge into the ocean.
In response to this, the government revised an action plan that summarized medium- to long-term measures against reputational damage in August this year, and is promoting measures such as promoting understanding on a nationwide scale using TV commercials and Internet video sites. increase.
In addition, TEPCO plans to compile the standards for compensation in the event of reputational damage by the end of the year.