Workers at the Fukushima No,1 nuclear power plant in northeast are preparing to release treated wastewater into the sea 11 after nuclear catastrophe triggered by massive earthquake and  tsunami in 2011.

Operator Tokyo Electric power Company Holdings says that the water has been filtered to remove most radioactive elements, and call the release both safe and necessary but there has been domestic and international opposition.

The reason why the water needs to be released is that Tepco almost dose not have storage capability for water. The site produces 100,000 liters of contaminated water daily and then the water is filtered to remove most radioactive elements. It is reported that more than 1.32 million tons of treated water was being stored at the site, which account for 96％ of storage capacity, so Tepco is keen to start releasing the water soon.

As for safety, Tepco said that several filtering systems remove most of the 62 % radioactive elements in the water, but remains tritium.

According to experts, tritium is only harmful to human in large doses. Tepco is planning to dilute the water to reduce radioactivity levels to 1500 which is far below the national safety standard of 600,000 per liter.

However, neighboring countries including China South Korea along with activist group such as local residents are strongly opposed to the release.

Japanese diplomats have been briefing nearby countries on that plan and Tepco is meeting local residents in a bid to support.

Local residents, especially local fishermen are wary of the reputation for their catch. 

To make them feel reassured, Tepco is running the live stream of fish and seaweed put in the water including half seawater and treated wastewater diluted to around the same level as the liquid that will be discharged.