Taiwan’s Atomic Energy Council on Tuesday voiced concern to Tokyo over its decision to dump waste water from a disabled nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean. The plans are for the dumping to begin in two years.
The plant has been shut down since its generators had a meltdown in 2011 after a tsunami and earthquake hit the area. A Japanese report said the water used to prevent further meltdowns will be treated to eliminate radioactive materials in it. The report cited the Japanese government which said it is safe to dump the treated water in the ocean.
The Atomic Energy Council said that Taiwan is opposed to the dumping and that political parties and civil groups are expressing concern. However, the council said Japan should monitor the waters near Taiwan if they go ahead with the plan. This includes providing analyses of radioactive changes in the seawater and marine life near Taiwan waters. The two sides should also exchange information and technology regarding assessment of the ocean dumping.