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 marks a significant development, as Genkai is the first town to host a nuclear power plant that is also seeking to become the final disposal site for the waste it generates.
The entire town assembly is expected to vote on the request at a session scheduled for April 26th. If approved, Mayor Shintaro Wakiyama will then formally decide whether to ask the central government to consider Genkai for inclusion in the first stage of a three-stage selection process.
This initial phase involves examining past records about natural disasters and geological conditions to determine the area's suitability. If Wakiyama approves, Genkai would become the third municipality to enter the process, following two in Hokkaido.
The proposal to host the disposal site has been met with mixed reactions. Local business groups have submitted petitions in favor of the idea, arguing that it is the responsibility of a municipality hosting a nuclear plant to also handle the disposal of its waste. Assembly members supporting the move echo this sentiment. However, concerns about the potential risks and long-term impact on the community remain.