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.
Completion of treatment of temporarily stored "Sr-reduced water"
The IAEA acknowledges that the treatment by the ALPS system of stored "Sr-reduced water" has been successfully completed. This substantially reduces the risks associated with the continual storage of "Sr-reduced water" at TEPCO’s Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (NPS).
Revision of the Solid Waste Storage Management Plan
The IAEA notes the revision of the “Solid Waste Storage Management Plan” with no adverse effect to deadlines set in the Mid-and-Long-Term Roadmap, and understands that the updated estimate of the amount of solid waste for the next decade is of the same order of magnitude as the estimate which was provided in the previous version of the Solid Waste Storage Management Plan issued in June 2019.
Thorough COVID-19 countermeasures implemented to continue work
The IAEA notes the efforts made to prevent spreading COVID-19 infection, in order to allow for the continuity of decommissioning operations during this pandemic situation.
Fuel debris removal from Unit 2
The IAEA acknowledges the ongoing progress towards fuel removal from Unit 2.
Fuel removal from the Spent Fuel Pool in Unit 3
The IAEA acknowledges the ongoing progress toward completion of fuel removal from the SFP in Unit 3.
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 the continuation of sea area monitoring. Furthermore, the IAEA considers that the ongoing data quality assurance programme that is in place is important for facilitating transparency and promoting confidence in the accuracy and quality of the results of the monitoring programme to all stakeholders.
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 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.