IAEA Reaffirms Safety of Fukushima Treated Water Discharge in Latest Review

Comprehensive third report confirms Japan’s compliance with international standards, highlights ongoing independent verification and global collaboration.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Task Force has confirmed that Japan’s discharge of treated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (FDNPS) continues to meet international safety standards. The confirmation comes in the Task Force’s third detailed report since the release of ALPS-treated water began in August 2023, further reinforcing earlier conclusions that the operation poses negligible radiological risk to people and the environment.

On-Site Review and Technical Assessment

During a mission conducted from December 9 to 12, 2024, the IAEA Task Force conducted an in-depth assessment of the technical and regulatory elements of the discharge process. This included an on-site inspection at the FDNPS facility, operated by Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), where the team directly observed the infrastructure and discharge equipment used to release the Advanced Liquid Processing System (ALPS)-treated water.

The Task Force also engaged with key Japanese authorities, including the Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), to evaluate oversight protocols and regulatory frameworks governing the operation.

The report concluded that TEPCO’s discharge systems and Japan’s national regulatory oversight are functioning effectively and in full alignment with international safety norms. The NRA, in particular, was commended for maintaining a thorough inspection regime and ensuring consistent on-site monitoring.

Continued Confirmation of Safety Standards

The IAEA reiterated that its overall safety conclusions remain unchanged from its earlier assessments. The July 2023 IAEA Comprehensive Report, issued just before the discharge began, had already found that Japan’s plans for releasing the treated water were consistent with global standards and would have an insignificant radiological impact.

The latest report builds on that foundation by reviewing operations since the discharge commenced. The IAEA’s onsite laboratory—established at FDNPS by Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi in July 2023—has independently verified all eleven batches of discharged water. Each batch, after dilution, contained tritium levels significantly below Japan’s operational threshold, confirming compliance with safety limits.

Transparent International Collaboration Through ILCs

In support of transparency and public trust, the IAEA also released two interlaboratory comparison (ILC) reports. These assessments ensure that laboratory analyses are consistent, precise, and scientifically credible by having multiple independent laboratories evaluate identical samples.

The first ILC, based on October 2023 sample collections near FDNPS, included seawater, sediment, fish, seaweed, and seafood market samples. Laboratories from Canada, China, South Korea, and the IAEA’s own facilities in Austria and Monaco participated. The findings confirmed that Japan’s sampling methods adhered to accepted standards and demonstrated a high level of analytical proficiency among participating labs.

The second ILC focused on source water monitoring, specifically water from the eighth ALPS batch prior to its release in August 2024. Laboratories in Switzerland, the United States, China, South Korea, and IAEA facilities verified that the samples met safety expectations and that TEPCO’s source monitoring is accurate and reliable.

Worker Safety Also Verified

In addition to environmental concerns, the IAEA addressed occupational health. A newly released report reviewed internal radiation exposure monitoring of workers handling ALPS-treated water. Based on ILCs that included data from laboratories in Japan, France, and the IAEA, the Agency confirmed that TEPCO accurately monitors internal radiation exposure and maintains a high level of technical competence.

This new report complements an earlier one released in November 2024, which focused on external radiation exposure and reached similar conclusions about Japan’s strong safety performance in worker protection.

Ongoing Monitoring and Public Engagement

Since launching its multiyear review process in 2021—two years prior to the start of the discharge—the IAEA has conducted eight mission reviews, each reinforcing the integrity of Japan’s discharge process. The Agency continues to maintain an on-site presence, conduct independent sampling, and verify monitoring data provided by TEPCO and Japanese regulatory bodies.

The Task Force emphasized the importance of these ongoing corroboration activities in fostering international confidence, transparency, and scientific integrity. The IAEA’s monitoring not only affirms that Japan is meeting its commitments but also ensures that global stakeholders receive objective and accurate information.

For the public, industry, and international community, this comprehensive and transparent oversight reinforces that the discharge of ALPS-treated water is being managed with stringent care and responsibility.

Access to Reports and Resources

All relevant reports—including the third Task Force review, interlaboratory comparison findings, and radiation monitoring assessments—are available on the IAEA’s Fukushima Daiichi ALPS Treated Water Discharge webpage. The site also includes a timeline of activities, frequently asked questions, and further technical documentation for those seeking more detailed information.

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Key Takeaways:

• The IAEA confirms Japan’s discharge of ALPS-treated water meets international safety standards.

• Independent verification shows tritium levels in discharged water are far below safety limits.

• Interlaboratory comparisons validate Japan’s monitoring methods and lab accuracy.

• Worker safety protocols, including radiation exposure monitoring, are effective and reliable.

• Continued IAEA presence and transparency help maintain international confidence.

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