China never opposes normal nuclear power plant operation, emissions: spokesperson

(ECNS) -- “What we oppose is the discharge of contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant into the ocean by Japan, not the normal operation and emission of nuclear power plants,” a spokesperson of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment (National Nuclear Safety Administration) stressed in Beijing on Wednesday.

The spokesperson pointed out at a press conference that there are essential differences between the contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan and the liquid effluents from the normal operation of nuclear power plants worldwide.

First, they have different sources. Second, they contain different types of radioactive isotopes. Third, the difficulty of treatment varies, the spokesperson noted. 

The contaminated water in Fukushima originates from the cooling water injected after the meltdown of the damaged reactor cores, as well as groundwater and rainwater that infiltrate the reactor. It contains various radioactive isotopes present in the melted reactor cores, making the treatment process challenging, it was stressed. 

In contrast, the wastewater generated during the normal operation of nuclear power plants mainly comes from process water and surface water. It contains a small amount of fission isotopes and strictly adheres to internationally recognized standards. The best available technologies are employed for treatment, and effluents are discharged in an organized manner after rigorous monitoring to ensure compliance with established limits. The discharged amount is far below-prescribed control values, according to the spokesperson.

The Ministry official emphasized the need for vigilance against the tactic of "evildoer accusing the innocent first," which attempts to confuse and deceive.

“Misleading propaganda cannot replace the truth, and design plans cannot substitute engineering practices. Verbal commitments cannot replace real results, and carefully packaged proposals cannot conceal the intention to transfer harm. Limited selective inspections cannot replace long-term, fair international supervision,” the official concluded.