Tokyo Electric Power Company Begins Preparatory Work for Fukushima Contaminated Water Ocean Discharge (Update)

Transfer from contaminated water tank to piping started
Discharge expected from the 24th if no weather anomalies occur

The Japanese government has decided to discharge contaminated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant on the 24th, and Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) announced that it has immediately begun preparations for the discharge.

On the 22nd, Kyodo News reported that TEPCO has entered full-scale preparations for the marine discharge of contaminated water. TEPCO is said to have started transferring the contaminated water from tanks to pipelines for discharge.

Following Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's announcement of the decision to discharge the contaminated water, TEPCO stated, "We solemnly accept the government's judgment and request, and will proceed swiftly with preparations to commence the discharge with the utmost vigilance."

They added, "The marine discharge of contaminated water requires continuous long-term measures," and "We will establish a system that allows all departments across the company to work together with full effort to ensure thorough response."

In addition, TEPCO plans to set up a project team directly under the president to respond to newly arising reputational damage (fake news) and to handle compensation issues for fishermen.

Prime Minister Kishida held a meeting with related ministers that morning and announced that, barring any adverse weather or maritime conditions, the marine discharge of contaminated water will begin on the 24th.