Japan Set To Discharge ALPS Treated Fukushima Nuclear Waste Into Sea

Starting this year, over 1.3 million tons of ALPS-treated water will be released into the ocean over time, a process that will take at least several decades

TOKYO - Japan is set to begin discharging the ALPS-treated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant into the sea on August 24th, if weather and sea conditions permit. 

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken responded to Japan's plans to discharge the treated radioactive water from the plant, saying that the United States is satisfied with Japan's plans, and considers the water safe, and in accordance with international standards. 

"With regard to the release of water from Fukushima, we are satisfied with Japan’s plans, which are safe and in accordance with international standards, including, critically, the IAEA nuclear safety standards.   

Japan has coordinated closely, proactively with the IAEA on its plans,  and they’ve conducted a science-based and transparent process, one that we’re satisfied with," Blinken said at a Press Availability on August 15th. 

What Happened To The Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant?

The Fukushima nuclear power plant in Japan, or the Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, was hit by a massive 9.1 magnitude earthquake in 2011 which resulted in a series of large tsunami waves of up to 130 feet that destroyed many of Japan's coastal areas. The estimated killed in the disaster is over 18,000 people. 

The tsunami waves disabled three of the plant's nuclear reactors within days, according to the National Centers For Environmental Information. The earthquake was the largest magnitude ever recorded to have hit Japan, and the third largest in the world since 1900, according to NOAA. 

Since the incident in 2011, the nuclear power plant has been building up nuclear-contaminated water that was later treated using ALPS (Advanced Liquid Processing System) that extracts radionuclides from the contaminated water. 

Starting this year, over 1.3 million tons of ALPS-treated water will be released into the ocean over time, a process that will take at least several decades, according to a Reuters Report for the Japanese government. 

IAEA Assessment Of The ALPS Treated Nuclear Waste: