On July 4, 2023, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) concluded that Japan’s plans to release treated water stored at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station into the sea are consistent with IAEA Safety Standards.[1] The report, which was presented by IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi to Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, found that the discharges of the treated water would have a negligible radiological impact on people and the environment. The report is the outcome of nearly two years of work by an IAEA Task Force made up of top specialists advised by internationally recognized nuclear safety experts from eleven countries. The Task Force has conducted five review missions to Japan, published six technical reports, met many times with the Japanese government and the nuclear power station’s owner Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), and analyzed technical and regulatory documentation.

The Japanese government decided to discharge the water stored at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station in April 2021. Water stored at the nuclear power station has been treated through an Advanced Liquid Processing System (ALPS) to remove almost all radioactivity, aside from tritium. Before releasing the water, it will be diluted to bring the tritium to below regulatory standards.

[1] https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/pressreleases/iaea-finds-japans-plans-to-release-treated-water-into-the-sea-at-fukushima-consistent-with-international-safety-standards