A semi-governmental Japanese agency responsible for nuclear waste disposal announced on Wednesday that it has launched the first survey to evaluate the suitability of Minamitori Island, Japan's easternmost island, as a potential nuclear waste storage site.
This is the latest step in efforts to address the nuclear waste challenge as Japan restarts its nuclear reactors following the 2011 Fukushima disaster.
The survey will focus on geological, environmental, and infrastructure factors on Minamitori Island, a remote island located in eastern Japan. Authorities will examine the terrain's resilience to natural impacts and its capacity to safely isolate nuclear waste.
The decision has drawn mixed reactions from environmental groups and local residents, who are concerned about safety risks and long-term ecological impacts. However, the Japanese government emphasizes that site selection will adhere to international and national nuclear safety standards.
The survey is expected to last several months, with results to be published as a basis for the next steps in the decision-making process.
