On 28 June 2022, Japan provided the IAEA with a copy of a report on the discharge record and the seawater monitoring results at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station during May, which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has sent to all international Missions in Japan.

The report contains information on discharges from the subdrain and groundwater drain systems, as well as on groundwater bypassing conducted during the month of May. In both cases, in advance of the action, TEPCO analyzes the quality of the groundwater to be discharged and announces the results. These results confirm that the radiation level of sampled water are substantially below the operational targets set by TEPCO.

2022/06/28

On 6 May 2022, Japan provided the IAEA with a copy of a report on the discharge record and the seawater monitoring results at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station during March, which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has sent to all international Missions in Japan.

The report contains information on discharges from the subdrain and groundwater drain systems, as well as on groundwater bypassing conducted during the month of March. In both cases, in advance of the action, TEPCO analyzes the quality of the groundwater to be discharged and announces the results. These results confirm that the radiation level of sampled water are substantially below the operational targets set by TEPCO.

2022/05/10

On 28 March 2022, Japan provided the IAEA with a copy of a report on the discharge record and the seawater monitoring results at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station during February, which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has sent to all international Missions in Japan.

The report contains information on discharges from the subdrain and groundwater drain systems, as well as on groundwater bypassing conducted during the month of February. In both cases, in advance of the action, TEPCO analyzes the quality of the groundwater to be discharged and announces the results. These results confirm that the radiation level of sampled water are substantially below the operational targets set by TEPCO.

2022/03/30

The Japanese Government has provided the IAEA with a report that summarizes the events and highlights the progress related to recovery operations at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station. The IAEA provided its assessments, which are contained in full at the end of the report.

This assessment has been performed on aspects presented in the December 2021 report 'Events and highlights on the progress related to recovery operations at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station'. It does not include recent developments that will be taken into consideration in a next report.

Interim measures by Japan’s Government and status of TEPCO's review on the handling of ALPS treated water

The IAEA understands that these two documents provide additional information regarding the proposed implementation of the release of ALPS treated water into the sea, with the involvement of local decision makers and fishermen, and measures to prevent reputational damage by having TEPCO set up a specialized department for the release of ALPS treated water, cooperate closely with the IAEA, and actively disseminate information in Japan and abroad.

Arrival in Japan of the equipment for trial retrieval of fuel debris from Unit 2

The IAEA notes the equipment for fuel debris retrieval has been delivered to Japan. This will allow the work towards fuel debris retrieval from Unit 2 to progress. The IAEA also notes that this work is expected to be delayed by about a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Damaged exhaust filters in the HIC and inside the ALPS

The IAEA notes that TEPCO continues to inspect exhaust filters to determine the cause of the damage and implement countermeasures, as/if needed. The IAEA also notes that the damage of the filters did not affect the workers or the environment.

Sea area monitoring results

Based on the information provided by Japan, the IAEA acknowledges that no significant changes were observed in the monitoring results for seawater, sediment and marine biota, including fishery products, during the period covered by this report. The levels measured by Japan in the marine environment are low and relatively stable. For the purpose of public reassurance, the IAEA encourages the continuation of sea area monitoring. Furthermore, the IAEA considers that the ongoing data quality assurance programme that is in place is key for ensuring the accuracy and the quality of the results of the monitoring programme. It also enhances transparency and contributes to building stakeholders’ confidence.

Food products

Based on the information provided by Japan, the situation regarding the safety of the food supply, fishery and agricultural production continues to remain stable. Food restrictions continue to be revised and updated as necessary in line with food monitoring results. Many thousands of food samples were collected over the reporting period and this indicates continued vigilance of the authorities in Japan and their commitment to protecting consumers and trade. Monitoring, appropriate regulatory action and public communication are helping to maintain confidence in the safety of the food supply.

Based on the information that has been made available, the Joint FAO/IAEA Centre understands that measures to monitor and respond to issues regarding radionuclide contamination of food are appropriate, and that the food supply chain is controlled effectively by the relevant authorities and that the public food supply is safe.

2022/03/07

On 1 March 2022, Japan provided the IAEA with a copy of a report on the discharge record and the seawater monitoring results at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station during January, which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has sent to all international Missions in Japan.

The report contains information on discharges from the subdrain and groundwater drain systems, as well as on groundwater bypassing conducted during the month of January. In both cases, in advance of the action, TEPCO analyzes the quality of the groundwater to be discharged and announces the results. These results confirm that the radiation level of sampled water are substantially below the operational targets set by TEPCO.

2022/03/03

On 31 January 2022, Japan provided the IAEA with a copy of a report on the discharge record and the seawater monitoring results at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station during December 2021, which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has sent to all international Missions in Japan.

The report contains information on discharges from the subdrain and groundwater drain systems, as well as on groundwater bypassing conducted during the month of December 2021. In both cases, in advance of the action, TEPCO analyzes the quality of the groundwater to be discharged and announces the results. These results confirm that the radiation level of sampled water are substantially below the operational targets set by TEPCO.

2022/02/01

On 29 October 2021, Japan provided the IAEA with a copy of a report on the discharge record and the seawater monitoring results at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station during September, which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has sent to all international Missions in Japan.

The report contains information on discharges from the subdrain and groundwater drain systems, as well as on groundwater bypassing conducted during the month of September. In both cases, in advance of the action, TEPCO analyzes the quality of the groundwater to be discharged and announces the results. These results confirm that the radiation level of sampled water are substantially below the operational targets set by TEPCO.

2021/11/01

The Japanese Government has provided the IAEA with a report that summarizes the events and highlights the progress related to recovery operations at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station. The IAEA provided its assessments, which are contained in full at the end of the report.

This assessment has been performed on aspects presented in the September 2021 report 'Events and highlights on the progress related to recovery operations at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station'. It does not include recent developments that will be taken into consideration in a next report.

Secondary treatment of ALPS treated water: performance verification test

The IAEA notes the involvement of a third-party organization to confirm the results of the secondary treatment of high dose ALPS treated water.

Basic policy for discharge of ALPS treated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station into the sea

The IAEA welcomes Japan’s intention to broaden the scope of marine environmental monitoring to provide data specific to the needs of this future release. These data will serve as a basis for ensuring the radiation safety of the public and the environment regarding the implementation of the basic policy for discharge of ALPS treated water. Making these additional data accessible to the public will contribute to enhanced transparency.

The operation test of the robot arm for trial retrieval of fuel debris completed

The IAEA welcomes that international cooperation for test retrieval of fuel debris from Unit 2 has steadily progressed even under the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. The IAEA considers that the trial retrieval of fuel debris might provide additional possibilities for international collaboration in the areas of characterization and storage of fuel debris.

Sea area monitoring results

Based on the information provided by Japan, the IAEA acknowledges that no significant changes were observed in the monitoring results for seawater, sediment and marine biota, including fishery products, during the period covered by this report. The levels measured by Japan in the marine environment are low and relatively stable. For the purpose of public reassurance, the IAEA encourages the continuation of sea area monitoring. Furthermore, the IAEA considers that the ongoing data quality assurance programme that is in place is key for ensuring the accuracy and the quality of the results of the monitoring programme. It also enhances transparency and contributes to building stakeholders’ confidence.

Food products

Based on the information provided by Japan, the situation regarding the safety of the food supply, fishery and agricultural production continues to remain stable. Food restrictions continue to be revised and updated as necessary in line with food monitoring results. Many thousands of food samples were collected over the reporting period and this indicates continued vigilance of the authorities in Japan and their commitment to protecting consumers and trade. Monitoring, appropriate regulatory action and public communication are helping to maintain confidence in the safety of the food supply.

Based on the information that has been made available, the Joint FAO/IAEA Centre understands that measures to monitor and respond to issues regarding radionuclide contamination of food are appropriate, and that the food supply chain is controlled effectively by the relevant authorities and that the public food supply is safe.

2021/10/14

On 1 September 2021, Japan provided the IAEA with a copy of a report on the discharge record and the seawater monitoring results at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station during July, which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has sent to all international Missions in Japan.

The report contains information on discharges from the subdrain and groundwater drain systems, as well as on groundwater bypassing conducted during the month of July. In both cases, in advance of the action, TEPCO analyzes the quality of the groundwater to be discharged and announces the results. These results confirm that the radiation level of sampled water are substantially below the operational targets set by TEPCO.

2021/09/07

On 29 July 2021, Japan provided the IAEA with a copy of a report on the discharge record and the seawater monitoring results at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station during June, which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has sent to all international Missions in Japan.

The report contains information on discharges from the subdrain and groundwater drain systems, as well as on groundwater bypassing conducted during the month of June. In both cases, in advance of the action, TEPCO analyzes the quality of the groundwater to be discharged and announces the results. These results confirm that the radiation level of sampled water are substantially below the operational targets set by TEPCO.

2021/09/07

The Japanese Government has provided the IAEA with a report that summarizes the events and highlights the progress related to recovery operations at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station. The IAEA provided its assessments, which are contained in full at the end of the report.

This assessment has been performed on aspects presented in the June 2021 report 'Events and highlights on the progress related to recovery operations at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station'. It does not include recent developments that will be taken into consideration in a next report.

Basic policy on handling of ALPS treated water

The IAEA notes the decision by the Government of Japan on issuing its basic policy on handling of the ALPS treated water. This constitutes a milestone that will help pave the way for continuous progress in the decommissioning of the Fukushima Daiichi NPS. The IAEA welcomes Japan’s intention to strengthen environmental monitoring to collect and analyze additional data specific to this future release. These data will serve to ensure the radiation safety of the public and the environment and will also help to increase transparency regarding the implementation of the basic policy for discharge of ALPS-treated water.

In addition, upon Government of Japan’s request, the IAEA will conduct a review of the planned discharge against the relevant IAEA Safety Standards (IAEA to Review and Monitor the Safety of Water Release at Fukushima Daiichi | IAEA). The IAEA will work closely with Japan before, during and after the discharge of the water. This will help build confidence that the water disposal is carried out without an adverse impact on human health and the environment.

Fuel removal from the SFP in Unit 3

The IAEA acknowledges completion of fuel removal from the SFP in Unit 3 and commends the efforts of all parties involved in completing the difficult work within the target period even under the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

Impact of the earthquake that occurred on 13 February 2021 at the Fukushima Daiichi NPS

The IAEA notes that the tanks storing ALPS treated water are designed and placed in order to maximize their resistance to earthquakes. Consequently, the earthquake that occurred on 13 February 2021 did not affect the tanks storing ALPS treated water and did not impair decommissioning operations. The IAEA acknowledges that enhanced monitoring of plant parameters for Unit 1 and Unit 3 has been implemented in response to this event.

Sea area monitoring results

Based on the information provided by Japan, while noting the detection of levels of radiocaesium elevated as compared to Japan’s national standard limit in two marine fish samples, the IAEA acknowledges that no significant changes were observed in the monitoring results for seawater, sediment and marine biota, including fishery products, during the period covered by this report. The levels measured by Japan in the marine environment are low and relatively stable. For the purpose of public reassurance, the IAEA encourages the continuation of sea area monitoring. Furthermore, the IAEA considers that the ongoing data quality assurance programme that is in place is key for ensuring the accuracy and the quality of the results of the monitoring programme. It also contributes to facilitating transparency and building stakeholders’ confidence.

Food products

The IAEA notes that the ingestion dose is less than 0.14 % of the 1 mSv/year specified in the International Basic Safety Standards^1/.

Public communication on the monitoring results and associated regulatory actions is helping to maintain confidence. Food restrictions continue to be revised and updated as necessary in line with food sampling results. Thousands of food sampling results were reported each month over the reporting period. This attention paid to monitoring food products continues to indicate the vigilance of the authorities in Japan and their commitment to protecting consumers and trade. Monitoring, appropriate regulatory action and public communication are helping to maintain confidence in the safety of the food supply.

Based on the information that has been made available, the Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture understands that measures to monitor and respond to issues regarding radionuclide contamination of food are appropriate, that the food supply chain is controlled effectively by the relevant authorities and that the public food supply is safe.

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^1/ Radiation Protection and Safety of Radiation Sources: International Basic Safety Standards, IAEA Safety Standards Series No. GSR Part 3, IAEA, Vienna (2014). See Requirement 51.

2021/08/09

On 24 June 2021, Japan provided the IAEA with a copy of a report on the discharge record and the seawater monitoring results at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station during May, which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has sent to all international Missions in Japan.

The report contains information on discharges from the subdrain and groundwater drain systems, as well as on groundwater bypassing conducted during the month of May. In both cases, in advance of the action, TEPCO analyzes the quality of the groundwater to be discharged and announces the results. These results confirm that the radiation level of sampled water are substantially below the operational targets set by TEPCO.

2021/06/25