Synopsis
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi leads a three-day visit to Japan, discussing and sampling seawater near Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station as part of measures related to the discharge of ALPS treated water into the ocean.Key Takeaways
- IAEA team engaged in water sampling at Fukushima.
- Collaboration with international laboratories.
- Japan aims for transparency in water discharge.
- ALPS treated water meets safety standards.
- Efforts to build trust in regional safety measures.
Tokyo, Feb 21 (NationPress) The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, along with his team, has embarked on a three-day mission to Japan, engaging in discussions and collecting sea water samples near the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (FDNPS). This is part of enhanced measures under the IAEA framework concerning the discharge of Advanced Liquid Processing System (ALPS) treated water into the ocean.
On Friday, IAEA officials and experts from laboratories in China, France, South Korea, and Switzerland collected samples of ALPS treated water prior to its dilution from measurement tanks located at FDNPS, which is operated by Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO).
The IAEA officials and the aforementioned experts had previously selected fishery products at a local fishing port in Fukushima Prefecture on Thursday. Earlier, they had also sampled sea water in the vicinity of FDNPS. Director General Grossi, who is visiting Japan at the invitation of the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led the sampling efforts, as confirmed by the Ministry.
The Japanese government has pledged to maintain close collaboration with the IAEA, ensuring a transparent exchange of information with the global community to enhance understanding of the safety associated with the discharge of ALPS treated water.
A statement from the country’s foreign ministry noted, "By inviting countries to participate directly in sampling and analysis, Japan is fostering transparency, understanding, and trust, particularly within the region. This initiative allows third parties to independently verify that the water discharge levels adhere to international safety standards."
The IAEA, an intergovernmental organization, advocates for the safe and peaceful use of nuclear technology. ALPS-treated water is defined as water that has undergone treatment via the Advanced Liquid Processing System and meets regulatory standards for environmental discharge, with the exception of tritium.
