Japanese Govt may dump radioactive water

TOKYO: Japan's government is believed to have decided to release radioactive water from the destroyed Fukushima nuclear plant into the sea, with a formal announcement expected to be made before the end of the month, Kyodo news agency reported yesterday.

Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings Inc has collected more than 1 million tonnes of contaminated water since the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant was crippled by an earthquake and tsunami in 2011.

Japanese Industry Minister Hiroshi Kajiyama said no decision had yet been made, but the Government aimed to make one quickly.

The buildup of contaminated water at Fukushima has been a sticking point in the cleanup, which is likely to last decades, especially as the Olympic Games are due to be held in Tokyo next summer with some events less than 60km from the wrecked plant.

A possible release is expected to antagonise Japanese fishermen and raise concerns in neighbouring countries.

Last week, Japanese fishing industry representatives urged the Government not to allow the release of the contaminated water saying it would undo years of work to restore their reputation. — Reuters