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.
Revision of the Mid-and-Long-Term Roadmap towards the Decommissioning of Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station
The IAEA welcomes that specific milestones on fuel debris retrieval, fuel removal from the 6 SFPs, contaminated water management and other activities have been set in the revised Roadmap. The IAEA notes that lifting evacuation orders is followed by the gradual return of residents and that restoring local societies while conducting decommissioning work is a point of attention for the Japanese authorities. The IAEA acknowledges that a large cover is to be installed at Unit 1 for the rubble removal and that fuel debris retrieval is to start first at Unit 2.
Publication of the report from the Subcommittee on Handling of the ALPS Treated Water
The IAEA holds the view that a decision on the disposal path for the stored ALPS treated water containing tritium and other radionuclides, after further treatment as needed, must be taken urgently considering safety aspects and engaging all stakeholders, to ensure the sustainability of the decommissioning activities and the safe and effective implementation of other risk reduction measures. In this regard, the IAEA welcomes the progress made towards decision making and the publication of the report from the “Subcommittee on Handling of the ALPS Treated Water”, which was reviewed by the IAEA at the request of the Government of Japan. The IAEA Review Report1/ was published on 2 April 2020.
Fuel removal from Units 1 and 2
The IAEA acknowledges the ongoing progress towards fuel removal from Units 1 and 2.
Results of the test to suspend cooling of fuel debris in Unit 3
The IAEA acknowledges the results of the cooling water suspension test in Unit 3. The IAEA recognizes that the results of this test will help optimize emergency response procedures, as well as the amount of cooling water necessary to be injected.
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 of radioactivity 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.
Sea area monitoring data quality assurance
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.
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. 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.
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1/ See IAEA Follow-up Review of Progress Made on Management of ALPS Treated Water and the Report of the Subcommittee on Handling of ALPS treated water at TEPCO's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station