Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• Consultations concerning the release of groundwater from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station into the oceans

(Abridged)

REPORTER: Tokyo Electric Power Company and Fukushima Prefectural Federation of Fisheries Co-operative Associations have engaged in consultations concerning the release of groundwater into the oceans. Objections were raised by the Fisheries Federation and ultimately the consultations ended without reaching a conclusion. It appears that part of the consultations included a desire on the part of the Fisheries Federation for it to be made clear that the Government approved the release of groundwater. Could I ask for your views on this matter?

(Abridged)

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I am not aware of the results of the consultations, but I assume that it concerned the issue of groundwater. (Abridged)
In order to control the inflow of water into the ocean, a well has been dug in front of the reactor building and groundwater is to be drawn up from it, in order to ensure that unpolluted water can be released directly into the sea, thus creating a by-pass for the groundwater. The Government is therefore in the process of confirming that there are no problems with the quality of this water and I have received a report that this process and related operations are being explained to persons concerned. I believe that it is such explanations that took place in the consultations between TEPCO and the Fisheries Federation, and the Government will make a judgment on how to proceed. However, the most important factor is to ensure that there are no problems with the water quality and I believe that this fact is currently being explained clearly to persons concerned.

(Abridged)