IAEA Inaugurates Representative Office At Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant Before Release Of Radiator Waste Water, Grossi: New Task Begins

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi at the inauguration of the IAEA field office at PLTN Fukushima Japan. (Twitter/@rafaelmgrossi)

JAKARTA - The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has opened a field office at the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant (PLTN), to monitor the entire process of disposing of radioactive wastewater that is processed into the Pacific Ocean safely until it is completed.

The inauguration was carried out when IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi visited PLTN Fukushima Daiichi, the day after the UN nuclear watchdog confirmed Japan's disposal plan was in accordance with IAEA security standards.

"As a very necessary step for the long-term presence of the IAEA at PLTN Fukushima Daiichi, yesterday we established a permanent office on site. We will carry out continuous direct monitoring during the processing of water disposal. Our task has just begun, we are here for the long term," Grossi tweeted on Thursday, July 6.

Grossi, who had boarded the ship to see the location of the water disposal, said that his party would ensure that the unloading lasted safely until the last drop.

"From the ship off the coast of Fukushima Daiichi, I saw the location of the dumped water that had been processed. After a 2-year review, the IAEA found that the Japanese plan was in accordance with safety standards. But our work has not been completed. We have been here, we are here, and we will be here until the last drop is thrown away safely," Grossi said in a separate tweet.

As an indispensable step for long-time presence of @IAEAorg at #Fukushima Daiichi NPP, yesterday we established a permanent on-site office. We'll provide live continuous monitoring throughout treated water discharge process. Our task is just starting—we're here for the long haul. pic.twitter.com/pJE9CbyCbN

— Rafael MarianoGrossi (@rafaelmgrossi) July 6, 2023

As an indispensable step for long-time prediction of @IAEAorg at #Fukushima Daiichi NPP, yesterday we established a permanent on-site office. We'll provide a live continuous monitoring through treatment water discharge process. Our task is just starting we' are here for the long haul.pic.twitter.com/pJE9CbyCbN

After the visit Grossi told reporters he was aware of concerns over the disposal plan and took the matter seriously.

"IAEA is everyone's institution and its mission is to ensure nuclear safety," Grossi said at the Fukushima nuclear power plant which was damaged by the earthquake and tsunami in 2011, citing Kyodo News.

As previously reported, the IAEA plans to provide an update to the water disposal process in real-time based on the relevant arrivals on its website. Grossi also said IAEA experts would go back and forth to the Fukushima nuclear power plant during the entire series of processes.

From a boat off #Fukushima Daiichi, I'm overlooking the treated water discharge site. After a 2-year review, @IAEAorg finds Japan's plan aligns with safety standards.But our work isn't over. We've been here, we're here, and we'll be here until the last drop is safely discharged. pic.twitter.com/6W7a1n8ssm

— Rafael MarianoGrossi (@rafaelmgrossi) July 5, 2023

From a boat off #Fukushima Daiichi, I'm overlooking the treated water discharge site. After a 2-year review, @IAEAorg finds Japan's plans according to standard.But our work isn't over. We've been here, we're here, and we'll be here until the last drop is safely discharged. pic.twitter.com/6W7a1n8ssm

Amid concerns about the release of water, Grossi said his party would place officers at Fukushima's field office when the disposal begins, ensuring disposal is carried out as planned. This process is expected to take decades.

Prior to the Fukushima PLTN, he exchanged views with the head of the local government and fishermen who live near the PLTN.

It is known that the Japanese Government and the Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings Inc. plant operator plan to start releasing the water that has been processed to eliminate most of the radionuclides except for Tritium, around summer.

Local fishermen and some neighboring countries remain against the plan, fearing for its potential impact, including damage to the reputation of seafood products.

"Many people still think processed water is the same as contaminated water. The government needs to relieve their anxiety," said Okuma Mayor Jun Yoshida at a meeting in Iwaki between central government officials and local representatives.