Discharge of ALPS Treated Water into the Sea

August 24, 2023

1. At 13:03 on August 24, 2023, Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings (TEPCO) started discharge of ALPS treated water into the sea.
   Prior to starting the discharge, it was confirmed with the involvement of the IAEA and third party laboratories that the concentrations of radioactive materials other than tritium had been reduced below the regulatory standards.
   Then, with regard to tritium, TEPCO confirmed that its concentration after dilution with sea water is far below the regulatory standards, and last night finally confirmed that fact with the Nuclear Regulation Authority. The IAEA also confirmed that the concentration of tritium in diluted ALPS treated water to be discharged is far below 1,500Bq/L based on its independent on-site analysis.
2. After the start of discharge,

   (1) TEPCO will conduct sampling and analysis of the concentration of tritium in sea water every day beginning today for the time being, and the results for today’s samples are to be published tomorrow evening, August 25.

   (2) The Ministry of the Environment will conduct sampling and analysis of the concentration of tritium in sea water every week from tomorrow for the time being, and the results for tomorrow’s samples are to be published in the morning of August 27.

   (3) The Fisheries Agency will conduct sampling and analysis of the concentration of tritium in fish every day from tomorrow for the time being, and the results for tomorrow’s samples are to be published in the evening of August 26.
   These results will be continuously published with high transparency in an easy-to-understand manner.

3. The Government of Japan will continue providing highly transparent information based on scientific evidence both domestically and internationally, and will work on ensuring safety while receiving checks of the IAEA staff who is stationed at TEPCO’s Fukushima Daiichi NPS.
   The Government of Japan requests that TEPCO take all possible measures to ensure safety with a renewed sense of responsibility under the initiative of the Chairman and the President.
4. The decommissioning of TEPCO’s Fukushima Daiichi NPS and handling of ALPS treated water require a significant period of time to complete.
   The Government of Japan will promote the attractiveness of Sanriku-Joban products and undertake efforts to increase consumption and will responsibly establish a framework for overcoming reputational damage and a system for following up local fishermen and other residents in their efforts to continue their livelihoods.
   The Government of Japan will work on such efforts in collaboration with Mr. Sakamoto Masanobu, Head of the National Federation of Fisheries Co-operative Associations.
   The Government of Japan also requests that TEPCO continue to thoroughly take measures to address reputational damage and implement appropriate compensation measures if any such damage occurs.

Division in Charge

Nuclear Accident Response Office, Agency for Natural Resources and Energy