Japan begins nuclear-waste site literature survey in Hitachiomiya

Japan's nuclear-waste disposal organization NUMO began a literature survey in Hitachiomiya, Ibaraki Prefecture, on October 15 after the economy, trade and industry minister approved changes to its business plan. The city is the fifth location in Japan to enter this first stage of selecting a disposal site for high-level radioactive waste, and the first on Honshu. [ 6 , 7 , 9 , 11 ]

The desk-based investigation examines geological maps, academic papers and other records concerning faults, volcanoes and geology to identify areas clearly unsuitable for a disposal facility. It is expected to take about two years. The national government can provide the city with up to 2 billion yen for accepting the review, according to Tokyo Shimbun and Nikkei. [ 1 , 7 ]

The city accepted the government's survey proposal on September 30, and NUMO applied for the business-plan change on October 13, Tokyo Shimbun reported. Asahi reported that the city issued a special question-and-answer bulletin addressing residents' concerns. It said accepting the literature survey did not directly lead to construction and that it would not proceed to the next step without residents' understanding. [ 1 , 3 ]

A second-stage investigation involving drilling would require the Ibaraki governor's consent. Nikkei reported that the governor had said he did not intend to agree. The city, meanwhile, planned explanatory meetings in its five former municipal areas from the following month, according to Asahi's October 14 report. [ 3 , 7 ]

Earlier literature surveys had begun in Suttsu and Kamoenai in Hokkaido, Genkai in Saga Prefecture and Minamitorishima in Tokyo's Ogasawara municipality. None had advanced to the second stage, according to the report carried by Yahoo News. That account said the entire selection process was expected to take about 20 years. [ 6 ]