THE Japanese Ambassador to Solomon Islands Miwa Yoshiaki has assured that the Advanced Liquid Processing System (ALPS) treated water discharged into the Pacific Ocean by Japan are low in tritium and other nuclides and that Tokyo will closely monitor the impact of the discharge.
Japan commenced discharging ALPS treated water into the Pacific Ocean on Thursday 24 August despite widespread opposition.
In a press conference in Honiara last Friday, Ambassador Yoshiaki said Japan will share the monitoring results with Pacific Island nations in a transparent manner and that the monitoring results so far received show that the concentration of the tritium and other nuclide percentage were reduced to well below their regulatory standards.
He said this good result received in the past days was some proof that Japan’s scientific analysis on the ALPS was right and that its scientists used conservative measures to get to the analytical conclusion.
Ambassador Yoshiaki said although the discharge has started, Japan will continue to discuss and maintain close dialogue on the issue with Pacific Island nations.
“Thinking about the impact of this discharge for [a] longer period of time. It is very important for us to discuss it very closely with Solomon Islands and all pacific island countries.
“We have no intention to deteriorate the health of the people and the environment of the Pacific Islands. Our monitoring process will continue to ensure anything unexpected wouldn’t happen. Therefore, people should not be panic.
“I know the Pacific Island countries, including Solomon Islands, stand on scientific effects as environment sustainability is important,” the Japanese government envoy added.
Ambassador Yoshiaki added that although the discharge of the ALPS-treated water has already started which brought disappointments to Pacific Island countries in regards to environmental impact, Japan will always stand by its bilateral relations with Solomon Islands and other Pacific Island countries.
By FLOYD TERRY JNR
Solomon Star, Honiara
