Meeting with Fukushima Fishermen to Emphasize Safety and Promise Inspections
Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), inspected the discharge facilities for the first time since the release of contaminated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the ocean on the 13th.
According to Kyodo News, Director General Grossi checked the process of diluting and discharging the contaminated water at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant and examined the equipment used for sample extraction.
After the inspection, Director General Grossi told reporters that the tritium concentration is "at a very low level and the discharge is being operated in a manner consistent with our expectations." Regarding China, which has suspended imports of Japanese seafood following the contaminated water discharge, he said, "If constructive dialogue is pursued, ultimately (China) will be able to feel reassured."
On the same day, Director General Grossi also met with fishermen in Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture, explaining that the tritium concentration in seawater around the nuclear power plant is very low after the discharge and promised to continue monitoring. He emphasized to the fishermen that "(the discharge) is only the first step of a long journey" and "great efforts will be needed going forward."
This visit marks Director General Grossi's first trip to Japan in eight months. Previously, in July last year, a month before the contaminated water discharge, he visited Japan and delivered a report to Prime Minister Fumio Kishida evaluating that the plan for releasing contaminated water into the ocean complies with international safety standards.
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