Regarding the government's policy of diluting treated water containing tritium and other radioactive substances accumulated at TEPCO's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station and releasing it into the sea, Governor Tatsumasu of Iwate Prefecture and officials from the prefectural fishermen's federation visited the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and called for thorough measures against rumors associated with the release.
The government plans to dilute the treated water that continues to accumulate at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station to a concentration below the standard and release it into the sea by around this summer, and TEPCO is preparing to start releasing it.
On the 23rd, Governor Tatsumasu of Iwate Prefecture and officials from the Prefectural Federation of Fisheries visited the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and met with State Minister Fusae Ota.
In his speech, Governor Tatsumasu stated, "In recent years, there have been voices of concern about safety and new rumors about the planned release of treated water into the ocean while the amount of fish landed has decreased and casts a shadow on reconstruction," and called for accurate information on the safety of treated water and support for fisheries that are concerned about reputational damage.
In response, State Minister Ota said, "The disposal of treated water is an issue that cannot be postponed, and we must move forward steadily. We want to ensure safety and implement 100% measures against rumors."
After the meeting, Governor Tatsumasu said, "I would like to see if a more detailed explanation will be given regarding the release of treated water and how far we can implement measures against rumors in advance."
Regarding the release of treated water into the sea, there are deep-rooted concerns about reputational damage and other concerns, and as the timing of the release approaches, it is an issue for the government and TEPCO to gain the understanding of those concerned.