Radioactive waste disposal - But where?

May 27, 2013  

Tochigi mayors oppose nuclear waste site proposal

http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/news/20130527_31.html

Japan's government has met more opposition from local municipalities over a proposal on final disposal sites for radioactive waste from the Fukushima nuclear accident 2 years ago.

The Environment Ministry on Monday held the second meeting of mayors in Tochigi Prefecture, which neighbors Fukushima Prefecture, to explain new guidelines for selecting disposal sites for contaminated mud and incinerator ash.

The meeting came after the government reviewed its selection process due to opposition from municipalities proposed as candidate disposal sites.

At the meeting, ministry officials explained the new procedures.

But some mayors said obtaining local consent is difficult due to ongoing insufficient explanations from the central government about its basic policy for building such facilities.

Others said final disposal sites should be positioned around the troubled Fukushima nuclear plant.

Tochigi Governor Tomikazu Fukuda said he wants ministry officials to provide convincing explanations to mayors why they think it is difficult to dispose of radioactive waste within Fukushima.