TEPCO to release Fukushima wastewater 1 km offshore

Pipeline will carry treated material away from coast, far from human eyes

Storage tanks for treated water are seen at the tsunami-crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in Fukushima Prefecture. Localities oppose releasing the water into the ocean. © Reuters

TOMOHIRO EBUCHI, Nikkei staff writer

August 25, 2021 00:03 JST

TOKYO -- The Japanese operator of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant has decided to release treated wastewater from the ruined facility in an area roughly 1 km offshore from the site, Nikkei has learned.

Tokyo Electric Power Co. Holdings will announce the decision Wednesday. The company, also known as TEPCO, is expected to present the plan to Japan's Nuclear Regulation Authority next month for review. But Fukushima Prefecture fishers remain strongly opposed to the discharge, slated to begin in spring 2023.