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.