Fukushima Daiichi Status Updates

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

On 1 September 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 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.

On 29 July 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 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.

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 June 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.

Basic policy on handling of ALPS treated water

The IAEA notes the decision by the Government of Japan on issuing its basic policy on handling of the ALPS treated water. This constitutes a milestone that will help pave the way for continuous progress in the decommissioning of the Fukushima Daiichi NPS. The IAEA welcomes Japan’s intention to strengthen environmental monitoring to collect and analyze additional data specific to this future release. These data will serve to ensure the radiation safety of the public and the environment and will also help to increase transparency regarding the implementation of the basic policy for discharge of ALPS-treated water.

In addition, upon Government of Japan’s request, the IAEA will conduct a review of the planned discharge against the relevant IAEA Safety Standards (IAEA to Review and Monitor the Safety of Water Release at Fukushima Daiichi | IAEA). The IAEA will work closely with Japan before, during and after the discharge of the water. This will help build confidence that the water disposal is carried out without an adverse impact on human health and the environment.

Fuel removal from the SFP in Unit 3

The IAEA acknowledges completion of fuel removal from the SFP in Unit 3 and commends the efforts of all parties involved in completing the difficult work within the target period even under the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

Impact of the earthquake that occurred on 13 February 2021 at the Fukushima Daiichi NPS

The IAEA notes that the tanks storing ALPS treated water are designed and placed in order to maximize their resistance to earthquakes. Consequently, the earthquake that occurred on 13 February 2021 did not affect the tanks storing ALPS treated water and did not impair decommissioning operations. The IAEA acknowledges that enhanced monitoring of plant parameters for Unit 1 and Unit 3 has been implemented in response to this event.

Sea area monitoring results

Based on the information provided by Japan, while noting the detection of levels of radiocaesium elevated as compared to Japan’s national standard limit in two marine fish samples, 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 contributes to facilitating transparency and building stakeholders’ confidence.

Food products

The IAEA notes that the ingestion dose is less than 0.14 % of the 1 mSv/year specified in the International Basic Safety Standards^1/.

Public communication on the monitoring results and associated regulatory actions is helping to maintain confidence. Food restrictions continue to be revised and updated as necessary in line with food sampling results. Thousands of food sampling results were reported each month over the reporting period. This attention paid to monitoring food products continues to indicate the 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 of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture understands that measures to monitor and respond to issues regarding radionuclide contamination of food are appropriate, 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/ Radiation Protection and Safety of Radiation Sources: International Basic Safety Standards, IAEA Safety Standards Series No. GSR Part 3, IAEA, Vienna (2014). See Requirement 51.

On 24 June 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 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 28 May 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 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 27 April 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 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.

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 February 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.

Achieving the milestone of completing the removal and treatment of stagnant water in the target buildings

The IAEA acknowledges that the removal and treatment of the stagnant water in the target buildings has been successfully completed and that the associated milestone has been achieved. 

Achieving the milestone of reducing the amount of generated contaminated water and completion of analysis of ALPS secondary treatment performance confirmation tests

The IAEA acknowledges that the milestone of reducing the amount of generated contaminated water has been achieved. The IAEA acknowledges that ALPS secondary treatment showed good performance. The Agency considers that both results will have a positive impact on realistic and sustainable contaminated water management including decision on the disposition path. The IAEA notes that, in the future, a third-party organization will conduct analyses of samples from the ALPS secondary treatment.

Delay in the trial fuel debris retrieval from Unit 2 due to COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom

The IAEA notes the delay in trial of fuel debris retrieval from Unit 2 and acknowledges Japan’s efforts to minimize the process delay within nearly one year. 

Fuel removal from the Spent Fuel Pool in Unit 3

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

Sea area monitoring results

Based on the information provided by Japan, the IAEA notes 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 important for facilitating transparency and promoting confidence in the accuracy and quality of the results of the monitoring programme to all stakeholders.

Food products

Based on the information provided by Japan, it is noted that an assessed effective ingestion radiation dose for radiocaesium of less than 0.0010 mSv/year is less than 0.1 % of the 1 mSv/year dose criterion for radionuclides in food specified in International Basic Safety Standards^1/ . In addition, an ingestion dose of less than 0.0010 mSv/year is a small fraction of the doses that arise from the ingestion of naturally occurring radionuclides in food. For example: 

• International assessments of typical doses received from the consumption of natural radionuclides have been published by the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) and calculate a worldwide average ingestion dose of 0.31 mSv/year with a typical range estimated at 0.2 – 0.8 mSv/year^2/. Most of this dose is assessed as being due to the naturally occurring radionuclides of lead-210, polonium-210 and potassium-40. The radiocaesium ingestion doses calculated by the Japanese Ministry of Health Labour and Welfare from their duplicate diet study of 2019 are less than approximately 0.3 percent of the worldwide average annual dose from the ingestion of natural radioactivity.
   
• A duplicate diet study^3/ undertaken in the Aomori Prefecture of Japan during 2006 to 2010 (before the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant) reported a mean annual ingestion dose of 0.47 mSv/year with most of this ingestion dose being attributed to the naturally occurring radionuclides: lead-210, polonium-210 and potassium-40. The radiocaesium ingestion doses calculated by the Japanese Ministry of Health Labour and Welfare from their duplicate diet study of 2019 are less than approximately 0.2 % of this mean annual ingestion dose for background levels of radioactivity.

Based on the information provided by Japan, it is noted that 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. Approximately four thousand results are reported each month for food samples collected over the reporting period and this attentiveness to monitoring levels of radiocaesium in food products continues to indicate the 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 of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture understands that measures to monitor and respond to issues regarding radionuclide contamination of food are appropriate, 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/ Radiation Protection and Safety of Radiation Sources: International Basic Safety Standards, IAEA Safety Standards Series No. GSR Part 3, IAEA, Vienna (2014). See more particularly Requirement 51.
^2/ UNSCEAR, Sources and Effects of Ionizing Radiation, Vol. I, Annex B (2000)
^3/ Y Ohtsuka et al Daily radionuclide ingestion and internal radiation doses in Aomori Prefecture, Japan. Health Physics 105, 4, 340 – 350 (2013)

On 25 March 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 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 1 March 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 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.

On 29 January 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 December, 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. 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 December 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 November, 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 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.

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 treatment of temporarily stored "Sr-reduced water"

The IAEA acknowledges that the treatment by the ALPS system of stored "Sr-reduced water" has been successfully completed. This substantially reduces the risks associated with the continual storage of "Sr-reduced water" at TEPCO’s Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (NPS).

Revision of the Solid Waste Storage Management Plan

The IAEA notes the revision of the “Solid Waste Storage Management Plan” with no adverse effect to deadlines set in the Mid-and-Long-Term Roadmap, and understands that the updated estimate of the amount of solid waste for the next decade is of the same order of magnitude as the estimate which was provided in the previous version of the Solid Waste Storage Management Plan issued in June 2019.

Thorough COVID-19 countermeasures implemented to continue work

The IAEA notes the efforts made to prevent spreading COVID-19 infection, in order to allow for the continuity of decommissioning operations during this pandemic situation.

Fuel debris removal from Unit 2

The IAEA acknowledges the ongoing progress towards fuel removal from Unit 2.

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 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 important for facilitating transparency and promoting confidence in the accuracy and quality of the results of the monitoring programme to all stakeholders.

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 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 25 November 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 October, 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 October. 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.