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.
Reduction of groundwater inflow into the buildings & release of pumped-up groundwater to the sea
The IAEA acknowledges the multiple initiatives to reduce the volume of groundwater inflow into the buildings and to maintain the same level of pumped water even when it rains.
The IAEA further notes that according to the information provided by Japan, the reported volume of water is being released to the sea in a controlled manner, without a noticeable impact on the radiation levels in seawater (please, also see the below section on “Sea area monitoring results”).
Investigations inside the Primary Containment Vessels (PCVs)
The IAEA notes the ongoing progress that has been made in the investigation of PCV internal structures. The information gained from the investigation will help to develop the future plan to remove fuel and fuel debris. The IAEA also notes that, during the investigation, there was no significant change in radiation levels at monitoring posts and dust-monitoring at the site boundaries of Fukushima Daiichi NPS.
Off-site decontamination
The IAEA acknowledges the efforts undertaken by the Government of Japan as well as the concerned prefectures and municipalities to implement off-site decontamination. The IAEA notes Japan’s plans to continue monitoring the air dose rate in the environment and to continue implementing remediation measures, as appropriate.
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 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 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. A report on the inter-laboratory comparison exercise activities in 2014-2016 was published in July 2017. The report concludes that the results obtained in the inter-laboratory comparison exercises demonstrate a high level of accuracy and competence on the part of the Japanese laboratories involved in the analyses of radionuclides in marine samples for the Sea Area Monitoring programme.
Food products
Based on the information provided by the authorities of Japan, the situation with regard to the safety of food, fishery and agricultural production continues to remain stable. No significant changes were observed since the previous report. Monitoring foods, appropriate regulatory action and public communication are helping to maintain confidence in the safety of the food supply. Food restrictions continue to be revised and updated as necessary in line with the food monitoring results. 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 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.