Comments on Nov. 2021 Fukushima Radiological Impact Assessment
On November 17, 2021 TEPCO (Tokyo Electric Power Company) made public a Radiological Impact Assessment concerning the discharge of water stored at the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant site into the ocean. This water, treated with the ALPS method, was found in their assessment to likely have minimal effects on the public and environment and therefore discharge to the ocean was recommended.
A comment period on the assessment was opened from November 18 to December 18, 2021 with the following comment submitted by Senior Scientist Ken Buesseler. He urges both the government and TEPCO to reconsider on-site storage of the water. A delay in releasing water would drastically reduce tritium levels, and the consideration of cost and storage safety need to be weighed against actions that are potentially damaging the fishing industry and public perception of such.
Buesseler, K.O. (2021) Comments on Nov. 2021 Radiological Impact Assessment (RIA) Report pdf (TEPCO Japan).
Press release: Radiological Impact Assessment Regarding the Discharge of ALPS Treated Water into the Sea (Design stage) at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, November 17, 2021. TEPCO