Why was Fukushima water release suspended after the earthquake?

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Fukushima Water Release Suspended as Precaution Following Earthquake

The release of treated wastewater from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant was temporarily suspended following a 5.8-magnitude earthquake off the coast of the Fukushima region. The operator, Tokyo Electric Power Company (Tepco), initiated the suspension as a precautionary measure, adhering to pre-defined operational procedures to ensure safety.
Quake Triggers Precautionary Suspension

A seismic jolt measuring 5.8 on the Richter scale occurred off the northeastern coast of Fukushima. In response to this seismic activity, Tepco immediately halted the ongoing release of treated water into the Pacific Ocean. This action was taken proactively, even though initial remote checks indicated no immediate issues with the water dilution and discharge facilities.
No Abnormalities Detected at Facilities

Tepco confirmed through remote monitoring that the Advanced Liquid Processing System (ALPS) treated water dilution and discharge facility showed no abnormalities. Despite these findings, the company chose to suspend operations to err on the side of caution, as stipulated by established safety protocols. This decision underscores a commitment to rigorous safety standards in the handling of treated wastewater.
Nuclear Authority Confirms Plant Safety

Japan's nuclear regulatory authority also conducted an assessment following the earthquake. The authority confirmed that no abnormalities were detected at either the Fukushima Daiichi plant or the nearby Fukushima Daini plant. This independent verification further supported the assessment that the earthquake did not cause any significant damage to the nuclear facilities themselves.
Context of Wastewater Release

The release of treated wastewater from Fukushima Daiichi began in August, involving approximately 540 Olympic swimming pools' worth of water collected since the 2011 accident. Tepco states that all radioactive elements, except for tritium, have been filtered out to levels considered safe, a process endorsed by the UN atomic agency. However, the release has faced criticism and import bans from countries like China and Russia, who have raised concerns about environmental pollution.

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Why was Fukushima water release suspended after the earthquake?

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