Tokyo Electric Power Co. (TEPCO), tasked with the controlled release of contaminated water into the Pacific Ocean as part of Fukushima Daiichi's decommissioning process, faces government scrutiny after another incident of radioactive water leakage from the nuclear plant.

(Photo : PHILIP FONG/AFP via Getty Images)

A shoreline is pictured from Futaba-machi, Fukushima Prefecture, around 5 km away from the crippled Fukushima-Daiichi nuclear plant on August 24, 2023, the day on which Japan's government plan to begin releasing wastewater from the stricken plant into the Pacific Ocean.

Issuing Warning Over Fukushima Fallout

The breach raises concerns about the safety of the decommissioning efforts, prompting officials to demand immediate action to rebuild trust and safeguard local communities and the environment, as reported by Nikkei.

TEPCO disclosed that approximately 5.5 tonnes of water containing an estimated 22 billion becquerels of radioactive substances had leaked from a facility designated for treating contaminated water.

The recent incident has raised questions about TEPCO's capability to carry out the decommissioning process with safety and efficiency.

According to the company, the leak occurred due to human error, specifically a worker's failure to adequately close a piping valve. However, TEPCO maintains that no negative impacts on the health of its personnel or the surrounding environment have been observed.

Raising Doubts Over TEPCO's Safety Measures

Despite these assurances, doubts remain regarding TEPCO's compliance with safety measures and regulatory standards.

In October of the previous year, an alarming incident unfolded at the nuclear power plant when two workers were hospitalized due to accidental exposure to liquid containing radioactive substances.

The occurrence took place during a cleaning procedure at the Advanced Liquid Processing System (ALPS), a pivotal facility tasked with treating radioactive wastewater at the plant.

Ken Saito, Japan's Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry, voiced serious apprehensions regarding the recent incident. Saito pledged to direct TEPCO President Tomoaki Kobayakawa to prioritize the safety of decommissioning operations.

Presently, TEPCO is engaged in the process of releasing accumulated contaminated water from the Fukushima Daiichi plant into the Pacific Ocean.

This decision has not only provoked outrage among local fishing communities, whose livelihoods rely on the ocean, but has also drawn international criticism from nations such as China, South Korea, and the Solomon Islands. 

Also Read: Japan's Earthquake Sparks Renewed Debate on Nuclear Power Resumption

Investigating the Incident

Japan's Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA) has investigated the incident, spotlighting TEPCO's purported shortcomings in effectively managing decommissioning work. The NRA criticized the company for its ambiguous delineation of departmental responsibilities, casting doubt on its adherence to established safety protocols.

As Japan continues to grapple with the repercussions of the Fukushima disaster, the recent leakage incident underscores the persistent challenges surrounding nuclear decommissioning and radioactive material management.

With regulatory bodies closely overseeing TEPCO's activities, the company faces escalating pressure to prioritize safety and restore public confidence in its endeavors to address the enduring environmental and health ramifications of the catastrophe.

TEPCO has erected over 1,000 tanks to accommodate 1.32 million metric tons of wastewater. The substantial radioactivity of the contaminated water necessitates its release, as storing large quantities on-site amplifies radiation exposure for workers.

The release of stored water has occurred in three phases thus far. The upcoming fourth batch, comprising 7,800 cubic meters of water, is scheduled for release in late February.

Related Article: Japan's Fukushima Nuclear Plant Faces Tougher Challenge Beyond Water Release: Removing Melted Nuclear Fuel