Kushima briefed on possible nuclear waste disposal survey
Mayor Koichi Takeda said the industry ministry had not requested the city's consent and no decision had been made.
Industry ministry officials have explained a possible preliminary survey for a radioactive waste disposal site to officials in Kushima, Miyazaki Prefecture, Mayor Koichi Takeda said. He told reporters afterward that the ministry had not asked the city to accept the study and that the matter remained undecided.
Known as a literature survey, the review begins a selection process with three stages for the final disposal of high-level radioactive waste produced by nuclear power plants. Kushima may receive a request to participate. The review would last about two years, using geological maps and other records to assess volcanic and fault-related risks.
A central government map published in 2017 identified Kushima among places considered relatively likely to have suitable characteristics for a disposal facility, including the absence of nearby volcanoes or active faults. Its position on the coast is also considered advantageous for transportation.
Such reviews have finished or remain underway in five places: Suttsu and Kamoenai in Hokkaido, Genkai in Saga Prefecture, Minamitorishima in Tokyo’s Ogasawara chain, and Hitachiomiya in Ibaraki Prefecture. Ogasawara village, which encompasses Minamitorishima, and Hitachiomiya accepted ministry requests earlier this year.
Industry minister Ryosei Akazawa declined to discuss the Kushima briefing at a news conference. He said the central government would lead efforts to expand the number of areas undergoing literature surveys.
