IAEA Chief Hints at Discord Among Fukushima Experts Over Water Release

The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, hinted at possible discord among the team of international experts who approved Japan's plan to release treated radioactive water from the Fukushima plant. While Grossi stated that the published report was scientifically impeccable, he acknowledged that one or two experts may have had concerns, although none had raised them directly with him. China, the fiercest critic of Japan's plan, expressed disappointment with the report, claiming limited input from experts. Grossi clarified that the IAEA's report did not endorse the plan, but rather deemed it consistent with standards. Japan will make the final decision on the water release, which is expected to begin this summer and last up to 40 years.