End of debris disposal a long way off

July 10, 2012

Just over 20 percent of 3/11 debris dealt with

      http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120710_23.html

Environment Minister Goshi Hosono says one-fifth of the debris generated by the March 11th earthquake and tsunami last year has been dealt with.

Hosono told reporters on Tuesday that, as of the end of June, 3.82 million tons, or 20.3 percent, of the rubble from the 3 most affected prefectures had been incinerated, buried or recycled.

The ministry estimates that the disaster left some 18.8 million tons of debris in the 3 prefectures. Of these, Iwate had 5.25 million tons, Miyagi, 11.54 million tons and Fukushima, 2.01 million tons.

The government has set March 2014 as a target date by which to complete the disposal.

Hosono says that while he feels progress has been made, no plans are yet in place for dealing with incombustible waste from Iwate and flammable debris from Miyagi. He says his ministry will address these issues next.