The spill will be monitored by representatives from the International Atomic Energy Agency IAEA and Tepco personnel are responsible for taking water and fish samples.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida gave the final approval for emissions on Tuesday at a meeting of the ministers involved in the plans. He instructed nuclear operator Tepco to be ready to start the discharge on Thursday, weather and sea conditions permitting.
Japan’s government claims the water is clean and safe. The International Atomic Energy Agency IAEA has also assessed that the release will not have significant negative effects on nature or people.
Still, the plans have sparked strong protests, including from fishermen in the area who fear that no one will dare to buy their products.