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 May 2022 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.
Equipment for trial retrieval of fuel debris from Unit 2
The IAEA notes that this equipment may play a central role in the experimental retrieval of fuel debris from Unit 2, the start of which was postponed for about a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The IAEA recognizes the importance of conducting sufficient operational training at the JAEA Naraha Center, including mock-up tests that closely reproduce conditions at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (NPS) recovery site.
An underwater vehicle in the PCV of Unit 1
The IAEA acknowledges the investigations, the preparatory work and the progress made to retrieve fuel debris deposited in the PCV of Unit 1.
Publication of the NDF’s Technical Strategic Plan 2021
The IAEA notes that the “Technical Strategic Plan 2021” presents a technical strategy from a medium- to long-term perspective that deals with the overall efforts for Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) to steadily implement decommissioning work at the Fukushima Daiichi NPS, in line with the goals set in the “Mid- to-Long-Term Roadmap” that was revised by the Government of Japan in 2019. In particular, the “Technical Strategic Plan 2021” devotes attention to solid waste management.
Handling of ALPS treated water
The IAEA notes the submission of the REIA and revised implementation plan by TEPCO, to the NRA, for regulatory review. From 14 to 18 February 2022, an IAEA mission visited TEPCO and METI in Japan to assess whether TEPCO’s plan to discharge treated water from the Fukushima Daiichi NPS into the sea is being implemented consistent with the relevant IAEA safety standards. This mission was the first in a series of missions that will be conducted under the IAEA’s review. The mission report can be found on the IAEA website1/
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 the continued vigilance of the authorities in Japan and their commitment to protecting consumers and trade. Food monitoring, dietary surveys, 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 from Japan, 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..
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1/ IAEA Review of Safety Related Aspects of Handling ALPS-Treated Water at TEPCO’s Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station