The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was yesterday informed by Japan’s Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), operator of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (FDNPS), that localized corrosion and flaking of paint was discovered on three tanks used to store treated water at the site.

During a routine walkdown of the tanks emptied after transferring the water – the tanks used at FDNPS to store the ALPS (Advanced Liquid Processing System) treated water – TEPCO staff noted the corrosion and flaking on three tanks. These three tanks are currently empty, and an assessment determined that the corrosion bore no impact on the structural integrity of the tanks, and no water has leaked. ?

The corrosion does not pose any safety risk, and there is no environmental impact. The event is not related to the discharge of the ALPS treated water. The damaged section will be repaired prior to using the tanks again to store ALPS treated water.

Japan’s Nuclear Regulatory Authority has been informed, and inspectors at the plant are conducting an on-site investigation.

The IAEA remains in contact with Nuclear Regulatory Authority in Japan.