"Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) Employees: "We Lack the Capability to Properly Discharge Contaminated Water...100% Risky"

The decision by Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) to discharge contaminated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant has stirred controversy both domestically and internationally in Japan. On April 13, 2021, TEPCO decided to release the contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the ocean. This decision has faced criticism from many citizens, and concerns about the water discharge are also emerging within the company itself.

 

TEPCO's decision to discharge contaminated water is prompting deep reflection and discussions on environmental and nuclear safety.

 

TEPCO has been making efforts to remove radioactive substances from the water, and some of the substances are no longer detectable. However, completely eliminating all radioactive materials remains impossible. Therefore, TEPCO argues that ocean discharge is necessary. Nevertheless, this decision has sparked intense debates and diverse opinions from residents and protesting citizens.

 

TEPCO is striving to maintain transparency in this discharge plan and has been taking various measures to mitigate the impact of radioactive substances on the marine ecosystem. However, these efforts may not be sufficient to suppress the growing opposition within Japan and abroad.

 

 

Citizens' opposition is clearly visible on the ground. At a citizen's meeting held in Okuma-machi, Fukushima Prefecture, slogans like "Don't further pollute the sea" resounded, and local residents took to the streets with placards, demonstrating against the discharge.

 

Kazuyoshi Sato, co-representative of the citizens' group, stated, "The government promised not to discharge without our consent but proceeded unilaterally without seeking understanding." He strongly opposes the discharge decision. Additionally, Gonno Sumio, who participated in the protest that day and is a former TEPCO employee, warned, "TEPCO does not have the capability to properly discharge and manage the contaminated water," predicting inevitable problems.

 

 

The voices of residents opposing such a move are exerting immense pressure on TEPCO and the government. They argue for the solidification of contaminated water within the nuclear plant premises, preventing further contamination of the sea and land.

 

On the other hand, the government and TEPCO insist that the water discharge decision is safe. However, citizens have criticized the government and TEPCO for propagating propaganda regarding the discharge and carrying out the decision without citizens' consent.

 

This controversy is expected to continue both domestically and internationally. While TEPCO has initiated the discharge, uncertainties remain regarding the duration of the discharge and its impact. Ongoing discussions and careful monitoring of related developments are crucial.

 

 

Moreover, this issue has gained international attention, especially with South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida cooperating on this matter. Koreans are also showing concern and raising their voices against this issue. Co-representative Sato has appealed, "We hope President Yoon Suk-yeol prevents the Japanese government from allowing the discharge," calling for international attention.

 

TEPCO's decision to discharge contaminated water is prompting deep reflection and discussions on environmental and nuclear safety. This issue is likely to continue to receive attention, requiring close scrutiny of related discussions and information.