Fukushima Daiichi Status Updates
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.
Reduction of groundwater inflow into the buildings & release of pumped-up groundwater to the sea
The IAEA acknowledges the multiple initiatives to reduce the volume of groundwater inflow into the buildings and to maintain the same level of pumped water even when it rains.
The IAEA further notes that according to the information provided by Japan, the reported volume of water is being released to the sea in a controlled manner, without a noticeable impact on the radiation levels in seawater (please, also see the below section on “Sea area monitoring results”).
Investigations inside the Primary Containment Vessels (PCVs)
The IAEA notes the ongoing progress that has been made in the investigation of PCV internal structures. The information gained from the investigation will help to develop the future plan to remove fuel and fuel debris. The IAEA also notes that, during the investigation, there was no significant change in radiation levels at monitoring posts and dust-monitoring at the site boundaries of Fukushima Daiichi NPS.
Off-site decontamination
The IAEA acknowledges the efforts undertaken by the Government of Japan as well as the concerned prefectures and municipalities to implement off-site decontamination. The IAEA notes Japan’s plans to continue monitoring the air dose rate in the environment and to continue implementing remediation measures, as appropriate.
Sea area monitoring results
Based on the information provided by Japan, no significant changes were observed in the monitoring results for seawater, sediment and marine biota 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 continuation of sea area monitoring, particularly considering the ongoing authorized discharges of treated and monitored groundwater into the ocean.
Sea area monitoring data quality assurance
The IAEA considers that the extensive data quality assurance programme helps to build confidence of the stakeholders in the accuracy and quality of the sea area monitoring data. A report on the inter-laboratory comparison exercise activities in 2014-2016 was published in July 2017. The report concludes that the results obtained in the inter-laboratory comparison exercises demonstrate a high level of accuracy and competence on the part of the Japanese laboratories involved in the analyses of radionuclides in marine samples for the Sea Area Monitoring programme.
Food products
Based on the information provided by the authorities of Japan, the situation with regard to the safety of food, fishery and agricultural production continues to remain stable. No significant changes were observed since the previous report. Monitoring foods, appropriate regulatory action and public communication are helping to maintain confidence in the safety of the food supply. Food restrictions continue to be revised and updated as necessary in line with the food monitoring results. This indicates the continued vigilance of the authorities in Japan and their commitment to protecting consumers and trade.
Based on the information that has been made available, the Joint FAO/IAEA Division 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.
7 September 2017
On 1 September 2017, 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 August, 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 August. 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.
5 September 2017
On 1 August 2017, 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.
7 August 2017
On 3 July 2017, 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.
5 July 2017
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.
The IAEA acknowledges the multiple initiatives including the groundwater bypass, sub-drains, land-side impermeable walls and the water proof pavement which have contributed to the steadily reduced volume of groundwater inflow into the buildings.
The IAEA notes the continuous progress that has been made in the investigation of damaged fuel and fuel debris inside the PCVs. The information gained from the investigation will help to plan for the safe decommissioning of the site. The IAEA also notes that, during the investigations, there was no attributable change in radiation levels at monitoring posts and dust-monitoring at the site boundaries of Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station.
The IAEA acknowledges that continued and significant efforts have been undertaken by the Japanese government, the prefecture and the concerned municipalities to implement decontamination in the SDA and ICSA. The IAEA encourages Japan to continue monitoring the air dose rate in the environment and to continue to implement remediation measures, as appropriate.
Based on the information provided by Japan, no significant changes were observed in the monitoring results for seawater, sediment and marine biota 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 continuation of sea area monitoring, particularly considering the ongoing authorized discharges of treated and monitored groundwater into the ocean.
The IAEA considers that the extensive data quality assurance programme helps to build confidence of the stakeholders in the accuracy and quality of the sea area monitoring data.
Based on the information provided by Japan, no significant changes were observed since the previous report. Measurements of caesium radionuclide levels in foodstuffs, together with appropriate regulatory action and public communication, including the publication of monitoring results, are helping to maintain confidence in the safety of the food supply. Food restrictions continue to be revised and updated as necessary in line with the results of food sampling and monitoring. This indicates the continued vigilance of the authorities in Japan and their commitment to protecting consumers and trade. Based on the information provided by the Japanese authorities, the situation with regard to the safety of food, fishery and agricultural production continues to remain stable.
Based on the information that has been made available, the Joint FAO/IAEA Division 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.
7 June 2017
On 1 June 2017, 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.
2 June 2017
On 1 May 2017, 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 April, 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 April. 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.
9 May 2017
On 3 April 2017, 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.
4 April 2017
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.
The IAEA acknowledges further progress with the freezing of the land-side impermeable wall and, in combination with the sub-drain and groundwater drain systems operation, its effect on decreasing the volume of ingress groundwater. The IAEA encourages continuation of these efforts for contaminated water management.
The IAEA notes the progress made in the investigation of damaged fuel and fuel debris inside the PCVs. The investigation will allow the operator to plan for future activities needed to remove fuel and fuel debris.
The IAEA acknowledges further progress in the preparatory activities towards the removal of spent fuel from storage pools of the reactor buildings.
The IAEA acknowledges the efforts and the progress in the decontamination works both in the SDA and ICSA. Efforts to reduce the amounts of contaminated soil to be disposed of are encouraged and discussions with stakeholders to find appropriate options for soil recycling are noted as a positive action.
Based on the information that has been provided, the IAEA acknowledges that on-site monitoring results remain stable. Extensive decontamination efforts and the decay of the radionuclides contributed to the decrease of air dose rates within the 20 km zone.
The IAEA takes note of the decisions to lift the evacuation orders and the preparation for the return of residents, which indicate Japan's continued efforts towards the recovery of the areas affected by the accident. As mentioned in a previous report in August 2016, the IAEA encourages Japan to continue its monitoring of radiation exposure doses of the residents and the continued provision of practical measures of radiation protection (e.g. measurement of individual doses, health care and consultations) for people returning to previously evacuated areas.
The IAEA acknowledges the availability of data related to the occupational radiation protection of workers involved with on-site and off-site decontamination and remediation activities.
Based on the information provided by Japan, no significant changes were observed in the monitoring results for seawater, sediment and marine biota 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 continuation of sea area monitoring, particularly considering the ongoing authorized discharges of treated and monitored groundwater into the ocean.
The IAEA considers that the extensive data quality assurance programme helps to build confidence of the stakeholders in the accuracy and quality of the sea area monitoring data.
There have been no significant changes since the previous report. Based on the information provided by the Japanese authorities, the situation with regard to the safety of food, fishery and agricultural production continues to remain stable. Measurements of caesium radionuclide levels in foodstuffs, together with appropriate regulatory action and public communication, including the publication of monitoring results, are helping to maintain confidence in the safety of the food supply. Food restrictions continue to be revised and updated as necessary in line with the results of food sampling and monitoring. This indicates the continued vigilance of the authorities in Japan and their commitment to protecting consumers and trade.
Based on the information that has been made available, the Joint FAO/IAEA Division understands that the measures taken 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.
3 March 2017
On 1 March 2017, 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.
2 March 2017