Seoul’s assessment is based on a 22-month study by government-funded scientists and is in line with the views of the International Atomic Energy Agency. The agency approved Japan’s discharge plans this week, saying the treated wastewater would meet international safety standards and its environmental and health impact would be negligible.
The South Korean review focused on any impact the sewage dumping might have on South Korea, and “the result showed that its effect on our waters would be negligible,” said Bang Moon-kyu, South Korean minister of the Office of Coordination of Government Policies, during a press conference.
Even before Friday’s announcement, South Korean authorities have been actively campaigning to allay public concern about the sewage dump, holding daily briefings to address what they describe as “excessive fears” and expanding radiation testing. in fish imported from Japan or caught in nearby seas.
Conservative lawmakers from President Yoon Suk Yeol’s party have even visited a seafood market to drink seawater from fish tanks in a bizarre gesture to certify food safety, though no Fukushima wastewater has yet been dumped. .
Public concern persists as retailers report rising sea salt sales, apparently fueled by consumers looking to stock up ahead of the release of the waters.
Liberal opposition lawmakers, who control a majority of South Korea’s parliament, have vowed a head-on fight against Japanese dumping plans and accused the Yoon government of endangering the country’s health by desperately trying to improve relations with Tokyo.
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Associated Press video journalists Yong-ho Kim and Yong Jun Chang contributed to this report.
FUENTE: Associated Press
