IAEA stresses further monitoring Japan's nuke wastewater discharge

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South Korean fishermen stage a rally against releasing nuclear-contaminated wastewater from Japan's Fukushima nuclear power plant in Seoul, South Korea, Monday, June 12, 2023.

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director-General Rafael Grossi emphasized continued efforts in monitoring Japan's ocean discharge of nuclear-contaminated wastewater from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, local media reported on Wednesday.

The IAEA chief reiterated the organization's commitment to further monitoring the discharge as he met with local fishermen in Iwaki City in the northeast prefecture of Fukushima during a three-day trip to the country.

Underscoring that the discharge marks merely the initial phase of a long process, Grossi stated that "much effort will be required in the lengthy process ahead," national news agency Kyodo reported.

Grossi, emphasizing the IAEA's role as an independent observer, reiterated the organization's stance on maintaining vigilance throughout the process.

The visit to Fukushima Prefecture was Grossi's first since July last year and, notably, his first visit following the commencement of the discharge. He is also expected to inspect the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant to assess the discharge later in the afternoon.

While the Japanese government and the plant's operator, Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), have asserted the safety and necessity of the discharge, neighboring countries and local stakeholders have raised concerns regarding the potential environmental impacts.

Last month, TEPCO started its fourth round of release of the nuclear-contaminated wastewater from the power plant into the Pacific Ocean.

(With input from Xinhua)