Officials from the Nuclear Regulation Authority and Tokyo Electric Power Company held an online meeting on Monday. It was the first briefing by TEPCO on how the utility plans to prepare for the water release after the government officially decided on the method last week.

Water is used to cool molten nuclear fuel at the plant. It mixes with rain and groundwater seeping into damaged reactor buildings. More than 100 tons accumulate each day.

The water undergoes a treatment process that removes most radioactive material, but it still contains tritium.

The treated radioactive water will be diluted so the tritium concentration is well below national standards and about one-seventh of the level the World Health Organization suggests is safe for drinking water.

The government plans to start the release in about two years.

TEPCO officials say they will design a facility to dilute the treated water with seawater, and will ask the regulator to examine the plans.

The company also says it will step up environmental monitoring one year before the planned release by increasing the number of data collection points.

The regulator urged TEPCO to quickly report any progress in preparations. They will open the examination process to the public.