Genkai Town Considers Hosting Nuclear Waste Disposal Site
On April 25th, a special committee of the Genkai town assembly met to discuss a request for the municipality to become the final disposal site for nuclear waste. This decision marks a significant step, as Genkai is the first town to host a nuclear power plant that is also seeking to become the final disposal site for the generated waste.
The entire town assembly is expected to vote and approve the request on April 26th. Following approval, Mayor Shintaro Wakiyama will have the final say on whether to formally request the central government to consider Genkai for the first stage of the three-stage selection process.
This initial phase involves examining past records of natural disasters and geological conditions to determine the suitability of the area. If Wakiyama approves, Genkai would become the third municipality to enter the process, following two towns in Hokkaido.
The proposal to host the disposal site was initially brought forward by three local business groups earlier this year. They, along with several assembly members, believe that it is the responsibility of a municipality hosting a nuclear plant to also serve as the final disposal site for the highly radioactive nuclear waste generated.