Japanese Government to Begin Releasing Treated and Diluted Radioactive Wastewater from Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Plant into the Pacific Ocean on August 24th.

Japan is set to begin releasing treated and diluted radioactive wastewater from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant into the Pacific Ocean on Thursday, August 24th. This plan was approved two years ago by the Japanese government and is seen as essential for the decades of work needed to shut down the facility. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has asked Tokyo Electric Power Company (Tepco) to swiftly prepare for the water discharge in accordance with the plan approved by the Nuclear Regulation Authority.

The plan has been met with strong criticism from China, as well as local fishing groups, who fear reputational damage and a threat to their livelihood. The wastewater, which is estimated to be more than 1 million metric tons, is a result of the reactor meltdowns that occurred at the plant 12 years ago.

The Japanese government has said that the wastewater has been treated and diluted to meet safety standards set by the Nuclear Regulation Authority. The government has also said that the release of the wastewater is necessary for the decommissioning of the plant, and that it will be closely monitored to ensure that it does not cause any environmental damage.

The release of the wastewater is expected to begin on Thursday, August 24th, weather conditions permitting. The Japanese government has said that it will continue to monitor the situation closely and take all necessary steps to ensure the safety of the environment.