Fukushima Daiichi Status Updates

On 21 October 2020, 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.

On 25 September 2020, 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 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.

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.

Completion of the dismantling plan for the Unit 1 - Unit 2 exhaust stack

The IAEA welcomes the completion of this dismantling work and the consequent improvement in the seismic tolerance of the Unit 1 – Unit 2 exhaust stack.

Disposal of ALPS treated water

The IAEA notes that the reported collection of opinions on the ALPS Subcommittee report is in line with the Advisory Point 1 from the Fourth IAEA Peer Review mission. The IAEA reiterates that a decision on the disposition path for the stored ALPS treated water must be taken urgently.

Thorough COVID-19 countermeasures implemented to continue work

The IAEA notes the efforts made to prevent COVID-19 infection among workers at the Fukushima Daiichi NPS, in order to allow for the continuity of decommissioning operations during the pandemic.

Fuel removal from Unit 1

The IAEA acknowledges the ongoing progress towards fuel removal from Unit 1.

Fuel removal from the Spent Fuel Pool in Unit 3

The IAEA acknowledges the ongoing progress toward completion of fuel removal from the SFP in Unit 3.

Sea area monitoring results

The IAEA notes that 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 the continuation of sea area monitoring.

Furthermore, the IAEA considers that the extensive data quality assurance programme that is in place in Japan is important for facilitating transparency and promoting confidence in the accuracy and quality of the results of the monitoring programme to all stakeholders.

Food products

The IAEA notes that based on the information provided by Japan, food restrictions continue to be revised and updated as necessary in line with food monitoring results. This indicates continued vigilance of the authorities in Japan and their commitment to protecting consumers and trade. The situation with regard to the safety of the food supply, fishery and agricultural production continues to remain stable. Monitoring foods, appropriate regulatory action and awareness raising 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 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.

On August 21 2020, 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 (NPS) 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 bypassing groundwater pumped until the month of July at the Fukushima Daiichi NPS. 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 August 14 2020, 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 (NPS) 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 bypassing groundwater pumped until the month of June at the Fukushima Daiichi NPS. 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.

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.

Revision of the Mid-and-Long-Term Roadmap towards the Decommissioning of Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station

The IAEA welcomes that specific milestones on fuel debris retrieval, fuel removal from the 6 SFPs, contaminated water management and other activities have been set in the revised Roadmap. The IAEA notes that lifting evacuation orders is followed by the gradual return of residents and that restoring local societies while conducting decommissioning work is a point of attention for the Japanese authorities. The IAEA acknowledges that a large cover is to be installed at Unit 1 for the rubble removal and that fuel debris retrieval is to start first at Unit 2.

Publication of the report from the Subcommittee on Handling of the ALPS Treated Water

The IAEA holds the view that a decision on the disposal path for the stored ALPS treated water containing tritium and other radionuclides, after further treatment as needed, must be taken urgently considering safety aspects and engaging all stakeholders, to ensure the sustainability of the decommissioning activities and the safe and effective implementation of other risk reduction measures. In this regard, the IAEA welcomes the progress made towards decision making and the publication of the report from the “Subcommittee on Handling of the ALPS Treated Water”, which was reviewed by the IAEA at the request of the Government of Japan. The IAEA Review Report^1/ was published on 2 April 2020.

Fuel removal from Units 1 and 2

The IAEA acknowledges the ongoing progress towards fuel removal from Units 1 and 2.

Results of the test to suspend cooling of fuel debris in Unit 3

The IAEA acknowledges the results of the cooling water suspension test in Unit 3. The IAEA recognizes that the results of this test will help optimize emergency response procedures, as well as the amount of cooling water necessary to be injected.

Fuel removal from the Spent Fuel Pool in Unit 3

The IAEA acknowledges the ongoing progress toward completion of fuel removal from the SFP in Unit 3.

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 of radioactivity 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.

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.

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. 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 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.

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^1/  See IAEA Follow-up Review of Progress Made on Management of ALPS Treated Water and the Report of the Subcommittee on Handling of ALPS treated water at TEPCO's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station

On 26 June 2020, 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 (NPS) 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 bypassing groundwater pumped until the month of May at the Fukushima Daiichi NPS. 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 12 June 2020, 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 (NPP)  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 bypassing groundwater pumped until the month of March at the Fukushima Daiichi NPP. 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 13 March 2020, Japan provided the IAEA with a copy of a report on the summary of decommissioning and contaminated water management, the discharge record and seawater monitoring results with regard to groundwater pumped from the subdrain and groundwater drain systems, as well as, bypassing groundwater pumped at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station during December 2019, which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has sent to all international Missions in Japan.

The report contains information on decommissioning and contaminated water management, discharges from the subdrain and groundwater drain systems, as well as on groundwater bypassing conducted during the month of December. In all 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.

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.

Management of Typhoon No. 19 (Hagibis)

The IAEA acknowledges the efforts that have been made by Japan for preventing leakage of contaminated water as a result of Typhoon No. 19. The IAEA notes the absence of consequence on the air dose rate and water quality in the areas around the TSS following Typhoon No. 19.

Storage of ALPS treated water

The IAEA acknowledges the updated information and refers to the first advisory point provided in the 4th IAEA Fukushima Daiichi Peer Review Mission3: “a decision on the disposition path for the stored ALPS treated water containing tritium and other radionuclides, after further treatment as needed, must be taken urgently, engaging all stakeholders, to ensure the sustainability of the decommissioning activities and of the safe and effective implementation of other risk reduction measures.”

Fuel removal from Units 1 and 3

The IAEA notes the ongoing progress towards fuel removal from the Units 1 and 3 for storage on the site. The IAEA also notes the commitment of Japan that all activities related to fuel removal are implemented with safety as the highest priority.

Dismantling of the Unit 1 – Unit 2 common exhaust stack

The IAEA acknowledges the progress of the dismantling work of the upper half of the exhaust stack common to Unit 1 and Unit 2.

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 of radioactivity measured by Japan in the marine environment remain consistently low. For the purpose of public reassurance, the IAEA encourages the continuation of sea area monitoring.

Sea area monitoring data quality assurance

On the basis of the results available from previous proficiency tests and interlaboratory comparison exercises, it can be concluded that Japanese laboratories monitoring seawater, marine sediment and fish from near the Fukushima Daiichi NPS produce reliable data.

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.

Food products

Based on the information provided by Japan, food restrictions continue to be revised and updated as necessary in line with food monitoring results. This indicates continued vigilance of the authorities in Japan and their commitment to protecting consumers and trade. The situation with regard to the safety of the food supply, fishery and agricultural production continues to remain stable. Monitoring food, appropriate regulatory action and public communication are helping to maintain confidence in the safety of the food supply.

The IAEA notes that the assessed effective radiation dose to consumers from radiocaesium (Cs-134 and Cs-137) in food (on average less than 0.0011 mSv/year) is less than 0.1 percent of the 1 mSv/year dose criterion for food specified in International Basic Safety Standards^1/.

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.

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^1/ Requirement 51 of EUROPEAN COMMISSION, FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS, INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY, INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANIZATION, OECD NUCLEAR ENERGY AGENCY, PAN AMERICAN HEALTH ORGANIZATION, UNITED NATIONS ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME, WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, Radiation Protection and Safety of Radiation Sources: International Basic Safety Standards, IAEA Safety Standards Series No. GSR Part 3, IAEA, Vienna (2014).

On 8 October 2019, 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.

On 12 September 2019, 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.

On 9 September 2019, 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.

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.

Contaminated water management (including groundwater control and reducing generation of contaminated water)

The IAEA acknowledges the continuous efforts that have been made by Japan for controlling the groundwater level and the resulting significant decrease of groundwater inflow into the buildings in the period between FY2014 and FY2018.

Storage of ALPS treated water

The IAEA acknowledges the updated information and refers to the first advisory point provided in the 4th Peer Review Mission report: “a decision on the disposition path for the stored ALPS treated water containing tritium and other radionuclides, after further treatment as needed, must be taken urgently, engaging all stakeholders, to ensure the sustainability of the decommissioning activities and of the safe and effective implementation of other risk reduction measures.”

Fuel removal from Units 1, 2 and 3

The IAEA notes the water injection reduction test which was recently completed in Unit 2.

The IAEA acknowledges the ongoing progress toward fuel removal from SFPs in Units 1, 2 and 3 and takes notice of the scheduled commencement of fuel removal from the Unit 3 SFP.

Off-site decontamination

The IAEA acknowledges the progress made by Japan since the last report of 2018, particularly an increased volume of transportation of removed soil and waste to the ISF, which should help reduce radiological risks in surrounding off-site areas where such soil and waste are temporally placed.

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 the 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 results of previous proficiency tests and inter-laboratory comparison exercises, show that Japanese laboratories monitoring seawater, marine sediment and fish from near the Fukushima Daiichi NPS produce reliable data. 

The IAEA considers that the extensive data quality assurance programme contributes to building confidence of the stakeholders in the accuracy and quality of the sea area monitoring data.^1/

Food products

Based on the information provided by Japan, food restrictions continue to be revised and updated as necessary in line with food monitoring results. This indicates continued vigilance of the authorities in Japan and their commitment to protecting consumers and trade. The situation with regard to the safety of the food supply, fishery and agricultural production continues to remain stable. Monitoring foods, 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 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.

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^1/ A report on the first three years of the inter-laboratory comparison exercise activities was published in July 2017.

On 11 July 2019, 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.

On 18 June 2019, 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.

On 20 May 2019, 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.

On 19 April 2019, 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.

On 12 March 2019, 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.

On 12 February 2019, 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.