19.10.2022
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 August 2022 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.
Improvements to the equipment for trial retrieval of fuel debris from Unit 2
The IAEA acknowledges the progress made and considers that this may enable future activities towards the trial retrieval of fuel debris from Unit 2.
Measurement of deposit thickness in the PCV of Unit 1
The IAEA acknowledges the progress made on the visual investigation of the in-vessel conditions in Unit 1 and considers it may contribute to the planning and implementation of a concrete decommissioning work plan in the future.
Management of ALPS treated water
The IAEA acknowledges that TEPCO has revised the assessment of radiological impacts on humans and the environment taking into account IAEA comments1/. The review of this revised impact assessment by the IAEA task force is ongoing.
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 and fishery samples were collected and analyzed over the reporting period and this indicates the continued vigilance of the authorities in Japan and their commitment to protecting consumers and trade. Food monitoring, dietary surveys, 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 from Japan, 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.
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1/ See IAEA Review of Safety Related Aspects of Handling ALPS Treated Water at TEPCO’s Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station
04.10.2022
On 4 October 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 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.
01.09.2022
On 29 July 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 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.
14.07.2022
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 May 2022 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.
Equipment for trial retrieval of fuel debris from Unit 2
The IAEA notes that this equipment may play a central role in the experimental retrieval of fuel debris from Unit 2, the start of which was postponed for about a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The IAEA recognizes the importance of conducting sufficient operational training at the JAEA Naraha Center, including mock-up tests that closely reproduce conditions at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (NPS) recovery site.
An underwater vehicle in the PCV of Unit 1
The IAEA acknowledges the investigations, the preparatory work and the progress made to retrieve fuel debris deposited in the PCV of Unit 1.
Publication of the NDF’s Technical Strategic Plan 2021
The IAEA notes that the “Technical Strategic Plan 2021” presents a technical strategy from a medium- to long-term perspective that deals with the overall efforts for Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) to steadily implement decommissioning work at the Fukushima Daiichi NPS, in line with the goals set in the “Mid- to-Long-Term Roadmap” that was revised by the Government of Japan in 2019. In particular, the “Technical Strategic Plan 2021” devotes attention to solid waste management.
Handling of ALPS treated water
The IAEA notes the submission of the REIA and revised implementation plan by TEPCO, to the NRA, for regulatory review. From 14 to 18 February 2022, an IAEA mission visited TEPCO and METI in Japan to assess whether TEPCO’s plan to discharge treated water from the Fukushima Daiichi NPS into the sea is being implemented consistent with the relevant IAEA safety standards. This mission was the first in a series of missions that will be conducted under the IAEA’s review. The mission report can be found on the IAEA website1/
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 the continued vigilance of the authorities in Japan and their commitment to protecting consumers and trade. Food monitoring, dietary surveys, 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 from Japan, 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..
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1/ IAEA Review of Safety Related Aspects of Handling ALPS-Treated Water at TEPCO’s Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station
28.06.2022
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.
10.05.2022
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.
30.03.2022
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.
07.03.2022
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.
03.03.2022
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.
01.02.2022
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.
01.11.2021
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.
14.10.2021
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.