Two sites for nuclear waste

September 6, 2013

2 sites found fit for radioactive waste storage

http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/news/20130906_31.html

Japan's Environment Ministry says 2 candidate sites for storing radioactive waste in Fukushima Prefecture are fit for the purpose as their bedrock is firm.

Ministry officials on Friday briefed a panel of experts on the results of land surveys at the sites in Oh-kuma and Naraha towns. Both are near the disabled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.

The officials said workers dug deep into the ground at the sites and confirmed the presence of strong bedrock beneath low-lying land, plateaus and hills.

They concluded that construction of intermediate facilities to store radioactive soil and debris is feasible at the sites.

The ministry has a 3rd candidate site in Futaba Town, also near the plant. Officials have finished briefing residents about the plan, and hope to request the start of a land survey soon.

Senior Vice Environment Minister Shinji Inoue told reporters that the assessments at the 2 sites are encouraging, and that the ministry hopes Futaba will also accept a survey as soon as possible.