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 2023 report 'Events and highlights on the progress related to recovery operations at TEPCO's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Stationn'. It does not include recent developments that will be taken into consideration in a next report.
Start of the rearing test of marine organisms
The Agency notes that, in addition to the IAEA review of the safety aspects of ALPS treated water, the document also contains TEPCO’s progress report on rearing tests1/ of marine organisms in seawater with ALPS treated water added, compared to normal seawater.
IAEA review of the safety aspects of ALPS treated water (second review)
The Agency acknowledges Japan’s continued cooperation during the IAEA’s ongoing review of safety related aspects of handling ALPS treated water at TEPCO’s Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, and notes that the second Task Force mission to METI/TEPCO was highlighted in this latest update.
Substantiation of measures to further reduce contaminated water generated
The IAEA welcomes the prospect of achieving goals of the Mid-and-Long-Term Roadmap including continuous Japan's effort to reduce the contaminated water generation, in line with the IAEA Fifth Review Mission Report released in August 2021.
Unit 1 Status of the Primary Containment Vessel (PCV) internal investigation (the latter half)
The IAEA acknowledges the progress of the investigation inside the Unit 1 PCV, including the status of fuel debris distribution.
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.
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1/ By “rearing tests”, the Agency understands that what is meant by TEPCO is the maintenance in large tanks, of marine organisms to physically and visibly demonstrate that no adverse effects will be imposed by the presence of ALPS treated water in the sea.