The IAEA says Fukushima is safe to release stored water
A safety review from the International Atomic Energy Agency has found 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.
In a report presented to Japanese Prime Ministeer Fumio Kishida in Tokyo today, the IAEA state that discharges of treated water would have a negligible radiological impact to people and the environment.
The outcome of nearly two years of work by an IAEA task force has been advised by internationally recognised nuclear safety experts from 11 countries.
After deciding in April 2021 to discharge the water stored at the nuclear power station, Japan requested the agency to review the safety impacts.
The stored water has been through an Advanced Liquid Processing System to remove almost all radioactivity, aside from tritium. Before discharging, Japan will dilute the water to bring the tritium content below regulatory standards.
Like elsewhere in the world, decisions related to nuclear safety are a national responsibility and Japan's Nucelar Regulation Authority approved the plan in May.
The IAEA‘s safety review will continue during the discharge phase. The agency will also have a continuous onsite presence and provide live online monitoring on its website from the discharge facility.
