Sir, – Regarding the articles entitled “Japan to release radioactive water into sea” (World, August 23rd) and “Toxic fallout from Fukushima disaster continues” (World, August 24th), the government of Japan will never discharge “radioactive water” or “waste water” that exceeds regulatory standards into the sea. The water to be discharged is sufficiently purified through “ALPS (Advanced Liquid Processing System)”, and then is further diluted before it is discharged.
After the dilution, the concentration of tritium will be 1/40 of the regulatory standard and 1/7 of the WHO drinking water standard, and the concentration of radioactive materials other than tritium will be less than 1/100 of the regulatory standard.
The assessment of radiological environmental impacts was conducted in line with the international guidelines, taking into account ocean dispersion and the effect of bioaccumulation and long-term accumulation.
On July 4th, the International Atomic Energy Agency, the world’s authority on nuclear-related issues, published its comprehensive report, summarising the outcome of the review missions from an objective and professional standpoint based on scientific evidence.
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In the report, the IAEA has concluded that (i) the approach to the discharge of the ALPS treated water into the sea and associated activities are consistent with relevant international safety standards, and (ii) the radiological impact on humans and the environment is negligible. The report also states that additional review and monitoring by the IAEA will continue after the discharge starts.
The government of Japan has received delegations of experts and has held briefing sessions for the diplomatic missions in Tokyo, and holding explanatory sessions at international conferences including those organised by the IAEA, and has provided information on the government website under its policy of providing information to domestic and international community in a transparent manner based on scientific evidence, with an emphasis on providing sufficient data.
The government of Japan will continue to conduct appropriate monitoring and provide necessary information to the international community in a transparent manner based on the conclusion of the IAEA’s comprehensive report and will continue to make efforts to gain further understanding from the international community regarding the handling of ALPS-treated water. – Yours, etc,
MARUYAMA NORIO,
Ambassador of Japan
to Ireland,
Dublin 4.