TEPCO said the Nuclear Regulation Authority inspectors were to examine the equipment related to the treated water transfer and its safety systems as part of their three-day inspection through Friday. The plan has faced fierce protests from local fishing groups concerned about safety and reputational damage. Fishing groups fear the wastewater release will cause consumers to stop buying seafood from the area. Others say the release plan is safe but call for more transparency, including allowing outside scientists to join in sampling and monitoring the release. The water is collected, treated and stored in the tanks, which will reach their capacity in early 2024.

Source: The Star June 28, 2023 04:47 UTC