Wastewater from melted Fukushima nuclear plant is stored in tanks after being treated. Over 1000 tanks are now on the site and the space is running out. The government and TOPCO decided to release the treated water into the sea after diluting by sea water. It will start this summer. But local fishermen fear that reputation may damage the sales of their fish. Neighboring countries including China and Korea also oppose the release fearing that it will contaminate the sea. But in the treated water radioactive elements are removed with exception of tritium. In addition the water will be diluted for tritium level to be lower than 1500 becquerel per liter that is far below WHO's limit of 10,000 becquerel per liter.
In the meantime, nuclear power plants worldwide have been releasing cooling water contaminated by tritium according to their own regulatory standards. Total amount of tritium released per year from Fukushima plant will be smaller than those from nuclear power plants of Korea and China.
IAEA's assessment report suggested that the treated water of Fukushima plant is consistent with the international safety standards.Despite the concern of fishing industry and neighboring countries I think this is the most practical way Japan can do now.