Tritium Level Far Below Japan’s Operational Limit in 19th Batch of ALPS Treated Water, IAEA Confirms

The tritium concentration of the 19th batch of Advanced Liquid Processing System (ALPS)-treated water, which the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) began discharging today from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (FDNPS), is far below Japan's operational limit and consistent with international safety standards, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed today.

As part of its ongoing safety assessment, the IAEA conducted independent sampling of the latest batch prior to its release via a one-kilometre tunnel into the ocean. On-site analysis confirmed that the tritium concentration is far below Japan's operational limit of 1,500 becquerels per litre and in line with international safety standards.

Japan began releasing ALPS-treated water in batches in August 2023, and since then roughly 140,500 cubic meters have been discharged. The IAEA has confirmed that the tritium levels in all first 18 batches were far below the operational limits set by Japan.

Background

In its comprehensive report issued in July 2023, the IAEA concluded that Japan's approach to the discharge of ALPS-treated water is consistent with relevant international safety standards and that the release, as planned and assessed, would have a negligible radiological impact on people and the environment. The IAEA continues to maintain a presence at the site and to carry out ongoing monitoring and verification activities throughout the discharge process.

Further information, including results of independent sampling and analysis, as well as timelines and technical reports, is available on the IAEA website.