Cooperation with Fukushima Prefecture in the area of radiation monitoring and remediation
Following the 2011 accident at TEPCO’s Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (NPP), the IAEA and the Fukushima Prefecture agreed to cooperate on radiation monitoring and remediation. The Practical Arrangements on this cooperation aim to provide broad and extensive assistance in the Prefecture in these two areas, complementing existing Japanese activities and providing immediate assistance and support that directly benefit those living in the Prefecture.
The cooperation covers assistance in research and study on:
- Radiation monitoring, including the application of environmental mapping technology by using unmanned aerial vehicles, and using radiation monitoring data to develop maps to be made available to the public;
- Off-site decontamination, including in analyses of environmental monitoring results and the exploration of exposure pathways to reduce or avoid exposure;
- The management of radioactive waste and on management methods of low-level radioactive waste from off-site decontamination activities.
A project on the application of environmental mapping technology and the use of radiation monitoring data to develop maps for the public has been successfully concluded.
Reports on the cooperative activities are prepared by the IAEA and the Prefecture respectively, describing the progress of projects dealing with the movement of radioactivity in forests and wild animals, decontamination strategies for rivers and lakes, and management methods of low-level radioactive waste produced during decontamination activities.
Four summary reports were released in May 2023 that document the developments in the implementation of the Practical Arrangements between 2013 and 2022. Two were prepared by the IAEA and two by Fukushima Prefecture. The reports are available below in English and Japanese.
Fukushima Cooperative Projects
Fukushima Cooperative Projects (FCPs) are conducted by the IAEA in cooperation with Fukushima Prefecture on radiation monitoring and remediation activities identified and proposed by the IAEA under the Practical Arrangements. Activities include monitoring of air dose rates of radiocaesium, protection of forest workers against radiation, safe management of radioactive waste from remediation activities and effective communication of these results to the public. The reports were prepared by IAEA staff in cooperation with experts and officials of the Prefecture.
- Final Summary Report (2013–2022) (EN/JP)
- Final Summary Report: Executive Summary (2013–2022) (EN/JP)
- Final Summary Report: Data Matrix Report (2013–2022) (EN/JP)
Fukushima Initiative Projects
Fukushima Initiative Projects (FIPs) supplement the FCPs and are supported by the IAEA. Activities include monitoring the movement of radionuclides in river waters, in wild animals, in seepage from landfill disposal sites, and the development of environmental mapping using Global Positioning System (GPS) data for quick and precise radioactivity measurements, particularly across terrain that is inaccessible on foot. The reports are written by the Fukushima Prefecture.
FIP7 uses simple and rapid analysis methods to investigate the status of radionuclides in the environment, including in the water containing tritium that is stored in tanks at Fukushima Daiichi NPP. Investigations into the environmental impact of this storage continue. Unlike other FCPs and FIPs supported by the IAEA Department of Nuclear Safety and Security, FIP7 is supported by the IAEA Department of Nuclear Applications.
Other materials
The IAEA assists Fukushima Prefecture on the dissemination of information on the areas of work under the cooperation on radiation monitoring and remediation. This includes the preparation and publication of information materials for its citizens on radiation such as:
- A series of brochures on the outcomes of the cooperation (2013–2017) (JP/EN)
- The Fukushima Prefecture Newsletter on Environmental Radiation Monitoring (JP/EN)
- Brochure on Information and Advice for Hunters (JP/EN)
- Brochure for Pickers and Distributors of Wild Mushrooms (JP/EN)
- Technical report on safety assessment of Temporary Storage Sites:
Phase 1:
Phase 2:
Reports and other materials are also available on the Fukushima Prefectural Centre for Environmental Creation website in English and Japanese, along with research results, survey reports and technical information.