Treated water containing tritium, etc. Dilute and release to the ocean

Regarding the disposal method of treated water containing radioactive substances such as tritium, which continues to increase at TEPCO's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, the government has decided to dilute the concentration below the national standard and then release it to the sea. And the reaction of the political world.

Prime Minister Suga "I will do my best to disseminate information"

At the Prime Minister's Office, Prime Minister Suga told reporters, "Disposal of treated water is an unavoidable issue in order to proceed with the decommissioning of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant and achieve the reconstruction of Fukushima. Over the years, we examined experts, evaluated from international organizations, and explained to the people concerned, judged that ocean release was realistic, and summarized the basic policy. "

Sonouede "In the future, preparing work plans to start a marine released to the prospect of two years later. The concentration of tritium in 1 of the 40 minutes of domestic regulatory standards, carried out after having reliably ensure the safety. Rumor damage should not lose hope for the reconstruction of the local people. The government will do its utmost to disseminate information based on scientific evidence. "

Then, Prime Minister Suga said, "It is also true that the number of tanks is increasing and the site is tight. I decided that I could not avoid it anymore. I will explain it firmly from now on. I want to make it understandable. "

Chief Cabinet Secretary Kato "Immediately scrutinize how much tank is needed"

At a press conference after the Cabinet meeting, Chief Cabinet Secretary Kato said, "With a strong determination not to delay the decommissioning and to move the reconstruction process further, the government will continue to work together. The actual release will begin. It is expected that it will take about two years, and I would like to make the best use of this period to dispel concerns, deepen understanding, and take various measures. "

"It is very important to strive to gain the understanding of foreign governments and the international community. We would like the relevant ministries and agencies to work together to provide the necessary information with a high degree of transparency."

Furthermore, regarding the tanks on the premises of the nuclear power plant, "There is a situation where the premises are tight, and there is a strong opinion from the local government to eliminate the tanks. On the other hand, apart from the tanks for long-term storage, before release We believe that a certain scale of tanks will be required to accurately measure the water quality of the nuclear power plant. We will urgently scrutinize how much tanks will be needed as discharge equipment within the range that does not affect decommissioning. I want to go. "

Environment Minister Koizumi "Survey with the utmost emphasis on transparency and objectivity"

At a press conference after the Cabinet meeting on the 13th, Minister of the Environment Koizumi said, "As the chairman of the monitoring and coordination meeting established by the government, I will do my utmost to fulfill the role based on the basic policy. We will conduct a marine monitoring survey of tritium before and after its release. "

On top of that, "tritium is released at nuclear facilities in Japan and overseas while complying with the regulatory standards of each country, and it is not good that misunderstandings spread as if only the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant releases tritium. We will carry out monitoring with the utmost emphasis on transparency and objectiveness so that the people concerned, including Fukushima Prefecture, can feel at ease, and we will strive to suppress rumors by disclosing the results. "

Agriculture Minister Nogami "I will do my best to eliminate the damage caused by rumors."

Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Nogami said at a press conference after the Cabinet meeting on the 13th, "Since the nuclear accident, we have caused great effort and concern to the people involved in agriculture, forestry and fisheries who have been working hard for reconstruction, and due to the release to the ocean. I think it's natural to be concerned about the damage caused by rumors. "

On top of that, "First of all, it is important not to generate rumors, and we will implement support measures at each stage of production, processing, distribution, and consumption. Agriculture and forestry so that the concerns of fishermen and other people can be dispelled until the treated water is released. The Ministry of Fisheries will do its utmost to do its best. "

Reconstruction Minister Hirasawa "Disseminating information to prevent reputational damage"

At a press conference, the Minister of Reconstruction Hirasawa said, "I would like to instruct the relevant ministries and agencies to hold a task force to eliminate reputational damage and take appropriate measures. The Reconstruction Agency will take measures against reputational damage at the beginning of this year. We have budgeted 2 billion yen, which is four times the conventional amount, and will publish leaflets and videos that explain the properties of tritium and how to dispose of treated water in an easy-to-understand manner, and will disseminate necessary information overseas as well. I plan to do it. "

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Aso "There was also an awareness that it would be implemented a little sooner."

At a press conference after the Cabinet meeting, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Aso said, "I was aware that it would be better to implement it a little earlier based on scientific grounds. As a result of responding to the above, I think that it has been extended to today. I can drink water. I think that this decision will reduce the cost of increasing the number of tanks. "

Foreign Minister Mogi "Do your best to prevent reputational damage"

At a press conference, Foreign Minister Mogi said, "We have been proactively providing information on treated water with a high degree of transparency to the international community. The decision on this draft policy is highly evaluated by the United States. ".

On top of that, "We will ensure safety by complying with international law and domestic and international regulations, and will continue to strive to foster understanding not only in Japan but also in the international community through careful explanations based on scientific evidence. By doing so, I would like to do my utmost to take measures against reputational damage. "

Consumer Minister Inoue "Strengthening Risk Communication"

At a press conference after the Cabinet meeting on the 13th, Shinji Inoue, Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, said, "Preventing reputational damage is a very important point, so with consumers, regarding treated water containing tritium, etc." I would like to put more effort into risk communication. "

Liberal Democratic Party Secretary-General "Everything is done to eliminate anxiety and avoid reputational damage"

At a press conference, the LDP Secretary-General said, "Ocean release is an internationally recognized method, and the government has decided after considering various things, so I would like to support it. Therefore, I would like the government to explain it carefully and take all possible measures to eliminate anxiety and avoid damage to rumors. "

Liberal Democratic Party Chairman Sato "Solutions rather than criticism"

Liberal Democratic Party Chairman Sato said at a press conference, "It is natural that we must avoid reputational damage, and we are worried if the people understand what kind of substance tritium is and how it releases treated water into the sea. You can criticize this case as much as you want, but it's many times more important to find a solution. Prime Minister Kan is doing the right thing. "

Secretary-general Fukuyama "I regret the very rude response"

Fukuyama, the secretary-general of the Constitutional Democratic Party, told reporters, "I can only say that there was not enough explanation to the people and that it proceeded with the release to the ocean. The decision to release Tayasaki is a very rude response that discourages the motivation of fishermen in the field. It is very regrettable that there is no concrete measure to prevent reputational damage. "