This handout photo released by Tokyo Electric Power Co. (TEPCO), Aug. 23, shows sampling from the upper-steam storage during preparations for the initial discharge of treated water at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in Okuma, Fukushima prefecture. AFP-Yonhap



Japan is discussing releasing treated radioactive water from the crippled Fukushima nuclear power plant as early as from 1 p.m. Thursday, according a Japanese media report Wednesday.



According to Japan's Kyodo News, the Japanese government and Tokyo Electric Power Co. (TEPCO) have been in talks to discharge the water from the Fukushima plant starting Thursday afternoon.



Japan's local authorities have been verifying whether the water was being properly diluted as planned since Tuesday. TEPCO has transported some 1 ton of treated water to a dilution facility and has mixed them with 1,200 tons of seawater.



Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced Tuesday that the release of Fukushima water will begin Thursday. Last month, the International Atomic Energy Agency gave final approval to the discharge plan, saying it meets international standards.





