International Atomic Energy Agency officials are in Japan this week to officially begin a multi-year review of the planned release of treated water from the Fukushima-Daiichi nuclear power station into the Pacific Ocean.

It is the agency’s first mission as part of its review and monitoring assistance to support Japan before, during and after the discharge of treated water, which is expected to start in 2023.

The IAEA team is meeting with officials in Tokyo and will travel to Fukushima-Daiichi to discuss technical details with experts at the site and to observe key activities and locations of interest for the agency’s review.

Japan’s decision to release the treated water into the sea was announced in April. Shortly thereafter, Japan asked for IAEA assistance to ensure that the discharge takes place in line with international safety standards.