IAEA Analyzes Fukushima Contaminated Water Treatment Process in Japan... Begins Verification of Japanese Claims

"Conclusion Expected Before Next Year's Contaminated Water Discharge"

Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Contaminated Water Storage Tank
[Image Source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Nayeon] The Japanese government is conducting analysis work to verify the treatment process of contaminated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, which is planned to be discharged into the sea.

On the 16th (local time), the IAEA stated in a press release that it is carrying out an independent data analysis regarding Japan's process of treating and discharging contaminated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant.

The IAEA explained, "A task force composed of 11 experts invited from around the world and IAEA personnel is participating in the data analysis related to the treatment and discharge process of the nuclear power plant's contaminated water."

It added, "After completing the first phase of data analysis, the second and third phases will follow, including technical evaluations concerning public safety and reviews of regulatory activities and procedures. A comprehensive report is expected to be released before the treated contaminated water is discharged next year."

The data analysis referred to as the first phase by the IAEA can be seen as a process to verify whether various data claimed by Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), the operator of the nuclear power plant, emerge when the contaminated water samples are treated according to Japan's plan.

At the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, which suffered a meltdown during the March 11, 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, contaminated water is generated as rainwater and groundwater flow into the reactor buildings where the core nuclear fuel debris from the decommissioned reactors remains. The Japanese government is storing this contaminated water on-site at the nuclear power plant.

Japan filters this contaminated water using the Advanced Liquid Processing System (ALPS) and refers to it as "treated water." The IAEA also uses the term "treated water." However, it is reported that radioactive substances such as tritium (hydrogen-3) cannot be removed even after purification treatment.

In April last year, the Japanese government decided to dilute this "treated water" and discharge it into the sea. It announced a schedule to mix water with the contaminated water in the spring of next year to dilute the tritium concentration to 1/40 of the standard level before releasing it.

The Japanese government claims that since the contaminated water will be sufficiently diluted and discharged gradually over 30 to 40 years, there is no risk to the surrounding environment and safety. However, concerns about safety are growing because there is no precedent for releasing such a large amount of contaminated water into the sea over a long period.

Gustavo Caruso, IAEA Director leading the task force, said, "During this safety review process, the IAEA is making full use of our laboratory capabilities to provide transparent and reliable results to the international community."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.