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 has provided its assessments which is contained in full at the end of the report.
Based on the sea area monitoring results and on other related information that has been made available, the IAEA considers the situation in the marine environment to be stable but should continue to be monitored.
Regarding the removal of spent fuel assemblies from Unit 4 that was completed by 5 November 2014, the IAEA acknowledges TEPCO's continuing efforst to undertake the work in a safe and steady manner and encourages TEPCO to keep implementing its good practices in decomissioning of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, with the highest priority to be placed on the safety of the public, workers and the environment.
As for the addition of water treatment systems, the IAEA considers that TEPCO's efforts are in line with the advice given by the IAEA review mission on decommissioning in late 2013, and that the improvement of treatment capacity will contribute to accelerating the treatment of the large volume of contaminated water stored on site. The IAEA also encourages TEPCO to continue its practices to further enhance the performance and capacity of the water treatment systems to address the contaminated water problem in a sustainable manner and to reduce the associated risks.
Regarding the off-site decontamination, the IAEA notes that Japan has been making significant efforts in the environmental remediation activities, together with the reconstruction of the infrastructure and the rehabilitation of the local communities to facilitate residents' return. The IAEA encourages Japan to continue its efforts in this regard.?
As for food products, the IAEA considers that systems are in place and are being implemented that prevent food and agricultural products with levels of caesium radionuclides in excess of the regulatory limits from entering the food supply chain. The revisions and updates to the food restrictions indicate 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 under control.
The Agency welcomes the Japanese Government's issuance of this information to the IAEA Member States and the public, detailing the current status of the recovery operations. The IAEA will continue to share such valuable information as it is provided.