- Home
- News Releases
- Back Issues
- January FY2024
- The IAEA Published a Report on Its First Review Mission of Safety Aspects of Handling of ALPS Treated Water at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station since the Start of the Discharge in October 2023
The IAEA Published a Report on Its First Review Mission of Safety Aspects of Handling of ALPS Treated Water at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station since the Start of the Discharge in October 2023
January 30, 2024
On January 30, the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) published the report on its first review mission of Safety Aspects of Handling of ALPS treated water at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (FDNPS) since the Start of the Discharge. The report shows the conclusions based on the review conducted when the IAEA officials and international experts visited Japan from October 24th to 27th, 2023.
1. Summary
The review mission of Safety Aspects of Handling of ALPS treated water at FDNPS in October 2023 was conducted based on the Terms of Reference (TOR) on reviews of safety aspects of handling ALPS treated water, which was signed with the IAEA in July 2021. This is the first review mission since the Start of the Discharge. The IAEA’s review has been conducted by the IAEA Task Force, which consists of the IAEA officials and international experts (from Argentina, Canada, China, France, Republic of Korea, Marshall Islands, Russia, United Kingdom and Vietnam).This report mainly describes the findings of the IAEA’s review in October 2023 in accordance with international safety standards.
2. Key Points of the Report
*There are quotes from the IAEA report (Including some summaries)
The same major technical items were reviewed as in the review before the start of discharge.
ⅰ. Regulatory Control and Authorization
ⅱ. Safety Related Aspects of Systems and Processes for Controlling Discharges
ⅲ. Characterization of the Source
ⅳ. Radiological Environmental Impact Assessment
ⅴ. Source and Environmental Monitoring Programmes
ⅵ. Involvement of Interested Parties
ⅶ. Occupational Radiation Protection
The report includes the key points of discussion between the IAEA Task Force and METI and TEPCO and observation of the site visit to the FDNPS, and summary of the Task Force’s findings on each technical item.
In addition, the report highlights that the Task Force did not identify anything that is inconsistent with the requirements in the relevant international safety standards.
Main review item
- In its reviews and observations, the Task Force did not identify anything that is inconsistent with the requirements in the relevant international safety standards. Therefore, the IAEA can reaffirm the fundamental conclusions of its safety review as outlined in the 4 July 2023 Comprehensive Report.
- A robust regulatory infrastructure is in place to provide operational safety oversight of the discharge of ALPS treated water and the Task Force was able to witness first-hand the onsite presence of the NRA and their activities in this regard.
- Based on its observations at the FDNPS, The Task Force confirmed that the equipment and facilities are installed and operated in a manner that is consistent with the Implementation Plan and the relevant international safety standards.
- The Task Force reiterated the finding from the IAEA’s Comprehensive Report that optimization of protection of the discharge of ALPS treated water needs to be considered moving forward as part of the overall decommissioning of the FDNPS site.
However, the Task Force fully recognized that the discharges are in the early stages and that further time and operational experience are required before progress can be made on this issue. - The Task Force stressed that the environmental monitoring programmes in place are very important for the international community.
The Task Force also noted the importance of the IAEA’s corroboration. -
A collection by Japan of all the monitoring data into a single website and in an easily accessible format would be extremely useful.While not directly required by relevant international safety standards, this ease of access to important data and results would help to support the involvement of interested parties in the process.
- The Task Force expressed interest as to whether any accumulation of radionuclides discharged is observed in marine sediments on REIA. However, the Task Force acknowledged that any robust verification is likely to be limited as it is expected that most of the radionuclides discharged will not be detectable in the environment due to the very low quantities discharged and further dilution in the sea.
- In particular, the Task Force expressed interest as to whether any accumulation of radionuclides discharged is observed in marine sediments. However, the Task Force acknowledged that any robust verification is likely to be limited as it is expected that most of the radionuclides discharged will not be detectable in the environment due to the very low quantities discharged and further dilution in the sea.
- The Task Force reemphasized that assessment of the ALPS treated water discharge facility on a periodic basis is essential, and should continue as currently implemented, for the sustainability of measures on occupational radiation protection in the relevant areas and during normal operation, as noted in the IAEA Comprehensive Report (July 2023).
Future activities
- The Task Force will continue to review the activities of TEPCO and NRA to assess whether they are consistent with the relevant international safety standards.
- During this October mission the Task Force discussed its next steps and highlighted a desire to continue conducting routine review missions to Japan.
The next review mission is anticipated to take place in the Spring of 2024.
3. Response to the IAEA Report
Through the IAEA review, the Government of Japan will continue to take measures in accordance with international safety standards and take all possible measures to ensure safety.Related Links
- Press Release of the IAEA
- Report of the IAEA
- IAEA Comprehensive Report (July 2023)
- ALPS portal site (METI website)
- ALPS Treated Water (IAEA website)