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.

In this assessment, the IAEA acknowledges the results of the investigation of the fuel debris location in the Unit 2 reactor, by applying the muons transmission method, and that they contribute to further assessment of the conditions inside the Unit 2 reactor and to developing an effective approach for the removal of fuel debris.

Regarding the Frozen Soil Wall, the IAEA notes that the established continuous monitoring of the changes of the earth temperature and groundwater levels is essential for assessing the effect of the overall countermeasures against the groundwater issues.

In addition, the IAEA assessment acknowledges that the lifting of the evacuation orders indicates Japan's efforts with regard to the environmental remediation and recovery activities in the areas affected by the accident. The IAEA encourages Japan to continue these efforts and its monitoring of radiation exposure doses of the residents and the 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 also acknowledges that no significant changes were observed in the monitoring results for seawater, sediment and marine biota during the period from May 2016 to July 2016. 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 ensure that stakeholders can be confident of the accuracy and quality of the sea area monitoring data. The IAEA continues to assist the Government of Japan in ensuring that the regularly updated Sea Area Monitoring Plan is comprehensive, credible and transparent. A proficiency test and two inter-laboratory comparison exercises are organized annually to test the sampling and analytical performance of the Japanese laboratories for the determination of radionuclides in seawater, sediment and marine organisms. A fifth inter-laboratory comparison exercise study is currently underway and includes the analysis of the radioactivity concentration in seawater and marine sediment. A third proficiency test will start in September 2016 and includes the analysis of radioactivity concentration in seawater.

Finally, 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.

On 1 September 2016, Japan provided the IAEA with a copy of a report on the discharge record and the sea water monitoring results at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station during August, which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has sent to all missions in Tokyo.

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.

On 1 August 2016, Japan provided the IAEA with a copy of a report on the discharge record and the sea water monitoring results at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station during July, which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has sent to all missions in Tokyo.

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.

On 4 July 2016, Japan provided the IAEA with a copy of a report on the discharge record and the sea water monitoring results at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station during June, which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has sent to all missions in Tokyo.

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.

On 3 June 2016, the Tritiated Water Task Force has announced the release of a report as well as an outline of the report that presents the results of technical evaluations conducted by the Tritiated Water Task at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station.

The Tritiated Water Task Force is an expert’s group established under the governmental Committee on Contaminated Water Countermeasures to examine and consider various options for the handling of contaminated water in the site containing radioactive hydrogen (tritium).

As the current Multi-nuclide removal equipment installed at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station is not technically capable of removing tritium, the treated contaminated water still contains tritium and is stored within the Fukushima Daiichi site. The report evaluates various options regarding the handling of this tritiated water.

The full text (in Japanese only) of the outline of the report is available on the website of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (see here).

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.

In this assessment, the IAEA acknowledges further progress toward the achievement of a sustainable situation regarding groundwater and contaminated water issues, including the commencement of the freezing of the major part of the land-side impermeable wall (started in March 2016). Other technical measures, such as the completion of the separation of Unit 1 turbine building from the circulation water injection line, also demonstrate progress in water management. These activities, as well as the ground water bypass and drain pumping, indicate effective implementation of the overall water management strategy.

In addition, the IAEA assessment states that no significant changes were observed in the monitoring results for seawater, sediment and marine biota during the period from February 2016 to April 2016. The levels measured by Japan in the marine environment are low and 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 continues to assist the Government of Japan in ensuring that the regularly updated Sea Area Monitoring Plan is comprehensive, credible and transparent. A proficiency test and two inter-laboratory comparison exercises are organized annually to test the sampling and analytical performance of the Japanese laboratories for the analysis of radionuclides in seawater, sediment and marine organisms. A fifth inter-laboratory comparison exercise study is currently underway and includes the analysis of the levels of radionuclides in seawater and marine sediment. The results of the first four inter-laboratory comparison exercise studies (organised in 2014–2015) were presented in an IAEA progress report released in April 2016. The report indicated that the participating Japanese laboratories produced reliable data on the level of radionuclides in seawater, sediment and fish samples collected near Fukushima (see here).

The IAEA considers that the extensive data quality assurance programme helps to ensure that stakeholders can be confident of the accuracy and quality of the sea area monitoring data.

Finally, 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 effective control of the relevant authorities.

On 1 June 2016, Japan provided the IAEA with a copy of a report on the discharge record and the sea water monitoring results at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station during May, which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has sent to all missions in Tokyo.

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.

On 2 May 2016, Japan provided the IAEA with a copy of a report on the discharge record and the sea water monitoring results at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station during April, which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has sent to all missions in Tokyo.

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.

On 1 April 2016, Japan provided the IAEA with a copy of a report on the discharge record and the sea water monitoring results at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station during March, which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has sent to all missions in Tokyo.

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.

On 4 March, Japan provided the IAEA with a comprehensive report summarizing the events and highlights on the progress related to recovery operations at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. The IAEA had provided its assessments, which is contained in full at the end of the report.

Based on the information in the report, the IAEA recognizes the positive impact of the various countermeasures against groundwater ingress into the reactor buildings including the operation of various groundwater pumping systems. These countermeasures, together with the deployment of the sea-side impermeable wall, have led to a decrease in radioactivity in the port area.

The IAEA considers the removal of contaminated water from the Unit 4 seawater pipe trench and the plugging of the trench as important achievements for further risk reduction on-site. 

No significant changes were observed in the monitoring results for seawater, sediment and marine biota during the period from October 2015 to January 2016. 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 on-going authorised discharges of treated and monitored groundwater into the ocean.

The IAEA also considers that the extensive data quality assurance programme helps to ensure that all stakeholders can be confident of the accuracy and quality of the sea area monitoring data.

Finally, based on the information that has been made available in the report, the Joint IAEA/FAO Division of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture 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 effective control of the relevant authorities.

On 1 March 2016, Japan provided the IAEA with a copy of a report on the discharge record and the sea water monitoring results at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station during February, which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has sent to all missions in Tokyo.

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.

On 1 February 2016, Japan provided the IAEA with a copy of a report on the discharge record and the sea water monitoring results at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station during January, which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has sent to all missions in Tokyo.

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.

On 6 January 2016, Japan provided the IAEA with a copy of a report on the discharge record and the sea water monitoring results at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station during December 2015, which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has sent to all missions in Tokyo.

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 2015. 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.

On 1 December 2015, Japan provided the IAEA with a copy of a report on the discharge record and the sea water monitoring results at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station during November, which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has sent to all missions in Tokyo.

The report contains information on discharges from the subdrain and groundwater drain systems, as well as on groundwater bypassing conducted during the month of November. 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.

At the same time, TEPCO has also posted a document on its website concerning the current work environment and future improvements onsite.

Japan has provided the IAEA with a report summarizing the events and highlights on the progress related to recovery operations at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station. The IAEA had provided its assessments, which is contained in full at the end of the report.

At the time of writing this report, TEPCO had started operations to pump groundwater from the sub-drains and ground water drain and have reached agreement with many stakeholders to discharge groundwater to the seas after treatment and monitoring to ensure  the concentrations of radionuclides are within the stipulated discharge limits. TEPCO has also completed construction of a seaside wall to reduce outflow of groundwater into the ocean. TEPCO expects these countermeasures to reduce groundwater ingress into the reactor buildings and to reduce the accumulation of contaminated water needing storage and treatment. .

The IAEA assessment addresses these countermeasures and acknowledges that the discharge of treated groundwater and completion of the final section of the seaside impermeable wall were achieved through extensive communication and engagement with many stakeholders and the public. A copy of the final report is available here.  

The IAEA assessment further looks at the sea area radioactivity monitoring results and other related information that has been made available.  The IAEA notes that the regular sea area monitoring results published by the NRA shows that the levels of radionuclides in the marine environment remain stable. The IAEA encourages the continuation of sea area monitoring, particularly now that authorized discharges of treated groundwater into the ocean have started.

The IAEA also noted that preliminary results from the 2015 seawater proficiency test exercise demonstrated that results of sampling from Japanese laboratories are at a par with that of the IAEA and two other independent laboratories. 

Finally, the assessment indicates that the IAEA  continues to acknowledge that systems are in place and are being implemented to prevent food and agricultural products with levels of caesium radionuclides in excess of the national regulatory limits from entering the food supply chain. Food restrictions continue to be revised and updated as necessary, in line with food sampling and monitoring, and 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 IAEA/FAO 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. 

Results of groundwater and sea water monitoring analyses have shown no significant change of radioactivity in sampled groundwater and sea water at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, according to the report on the discharge record and the sea water monitoring results, which was provided by Japan on 2 November to all missions in Tokyo.

The report covers the record and monitoring data of the discharge of groundwater from the subdrain and groundwater drain systems in September and October, as well as the discharge of groundwater for bypassing in October. It includes measurements taken by Tokyo Electric Power Corporation (TEPCO), as well as detailed analyses by a third-party institution. The results of analysis show that radiation levels have been substantially below the operational targets.

The report also includes the results of analysis of sea water sampled during the operations, which showed that the radiation level of sea water has remained low, and no significant change in radioactivity had been observed.

Results of groundwater analysis have shown no significant change of radioactivity in sampled groundwater at Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, according to a regular report on release and post-release monitoring of "groundwater bypassing" which was circulated by Japan on 1 October to all missions in Tokyo. 

The report covers the record and monitoring data for groundwater releases at Fukushima Daiichi on the 1st, 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th of September. It also includes measurements taken by Tokyo Electric Power Corporation (TEPCO) during and after the groundwater releases, as well as detailed analysis by a third-party institution of the same groundwater. The results show that the radioactive levels of sampled groundwater are substantially below the operational targets.

Radioactivity in water near the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant has remained low and stable from 6 to 8 September 2015, according to the regular update provided by Japan's Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA) to the IAEA. Limited samplng was undertaken  from 9-12 September in Point T-2-1 (1.3 km from the plant) because of bad weather.

At the same time, NRA also released a report from TEPCO on leakages of water from dikes in tank areas storing contaminted water at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power station between 9 and 14 September. The report states that there was no effect on the ocean through this incident. NRA has instructed TEPCO to continue monitoring the situation and to appropriately manage the water in the dikes taking into account this incident.

Radioactivity in water near the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant has remained low and stable from 1 to 5 September 2015, according to the regular update provided by Japan's Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA) to the IAEA. No samples were taken from 23 August to 1 September 2015 because of bad weather, also according to the update. The weekly sea area monitoring report is no longer part of the regular update to the IAEA but are now all separately available from NRA's web site.

Tokyo Electric Power Corporation has pledged to seriously consider the report's guidance in its brief public comment about the release of the IAEA Fukushima report. 

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.

In this assessment, the IAEA acknowledges the successful removal of the fuel handling machine from the Unit 3 spent fuel pool by TEPCO. This will allow TEPCO to prepare for removal of the remaining rubble and the spent fuel assemblies from the Unit 3 spent fuel pool. Removal of the fuel is scheduled to start in Fiscal Year 2017.

In addition, the IAEA notes measures to control groundwater ingress, as well as acknowledges TEPCO’s removal of the highly contaminated water from the trenches of Units 2 and 3, which reduces the risk of contaminated water leakage.

TEPCO is also encouraged by the IAEA to continue to review and strengthen its internal and external communication procedures and information disclosure and dissemination to media and the public at large, in line with the advice related to communication matters given by the past IAEA Decommissioning Missions. Details of TEPCO’s communication measures are presented in its 24 August 2015 report.

Regarding the generation of hydrogen gas inside high integrity containers as cited in a previous IAEA assessment in May 2015, IAEA takes note of TEPCO’s investigation which states that the possibility of ignition of hydrogen gas generated in the containers by water radiolysis has been assessed to be low. It also takes note of the measures introduced to address the related issue of liquid level increase inside the containers due to hydrogen gas accumulated in the slurry, resulting in some cases in leakage through the lids. TEPCO is taking steps to prevent leakage, in line with measures suggested during the expert visit in April 2015.

The assessment further looks at the sea area radioactivity monitoring results and other related information that has been made available. The IAEA considers the situation in the marine environment as stable, but should continue to be monitored.

Finally, the assessment indicates that the Joint FAO/IAEA Division understands that national regulatory limits for levels of caesium radionuclides in food remain in force, and the authorities in Japan are continuing to implement a programme of food monitoring.