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.
The IAEA acknowledges further progress with the freezing of the land-side impermeable wall and, in combination with the sub-drain and groundwater drain systems operation, its effect on decreasing the volume of ingress groundwater. The IAEA encourages continuation of these efforts for contaminated water management.
The IAEA notes the progress made in the investigation of damaged fuel and fuel debris inside the PCVs. The investigation will allow the operator to plan for future activities needed to remove fuel and fuel debris.
The IAEA acknowledges further progress in the preparatory activities towards the removal of spent fuel from storage pools of the reactor buildings.
The IAEA acknowledges the efforts and the progress in the decontamination works both in the SDA and ICSA. Efforts to reduce the amounts of contaminated soil to be disposed of are encouraged and discussions with stakeholders to find appropriate options for soil recycling are noted as a positive action.
Based on the information that has been provided, the IAEA acknowledges that on-site monitoring results remain stable. Extensive decontamination efforts and the decay of the radionuclides contributed to the decrease of air dose rates within the 20 km zone.
The IAEA takes note of the decisions to lift the evacuation orders and the preparation for the return of residents, which indicate Japan's continued efforts towards the recovery of the areas affected by the accident. As mentioned in a previous report in August 2016, the IAEA encourages Japan to continue its monitoring of radiation exposure doses of the residents and the continued provision of practical measures of radiation protection (e.g. measurement of individual doses, health care and consultations) for people returning to previously evacuated areas.
The IAEA acknowledges the availability of data related to the occupational radiation protection of workers involved with on-site and off-site decontamination and remediation activities.
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.
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.
There have been no significant changes since the previous report. Based on the information provided by the Japanese authorities, the situation with regard to the safety of food, fishery and agricultural production continues to remain stable. Measurements of caesium radionuclide levels in foodstuffs, together with appropriate regulatory action and public communication, including the publication of monitoring results, 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 results of food sampling and monitoring. 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 the measures taken 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.