Genkai Town Considers Hosting Nuclear Waste Disposal Site
A special committee of the Genkai town assembly met on April 25th to discuss a request for the municipality to become the final disposal site for nuclear waste. This marks a significant step, as Genkai is the first town to host a nuclear power plant and also seek to become the final disposal site for the waste it generates.
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 ask the central government to consider Genkai for the first stage of a three-stage selection process.
This initial phase involves examining past records of natural disasters and geological conditions to determine the area's suitability. If Wakiyama approves, Genkai would become the third municipality to enter the process, joining two towns in Hokkaido.
The proposal to host the disposal site has been met with mixed reactions. Local business groups and some assembly members argue that it is the responsibility of a municipality hosting a nuclear plant to also manage the final disposal of its highly radioactive waste. However, others may have concerns about the potential risks and impacts on the community.