Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) is considering proposing a preliminary survey in the city of Hitachiomiya, located in Ibaraki Prefecture near the capital Tokyo, as a potential site for burying high-level radioactive waste. The information was revealed by a source familiar with the matter on Monday (August 25).
This is the latest move in efforts to find a final disposal site for the vast amount of nuclear waste generated by atomic power plants across Japan. The selection of Hitachiomiya is part of a multi-stage process that begins with surveys of geological and natural conditions.
METI has not yet made an official comment on the information. However, the source said the agency is in discussions with the Ibaraki prefectural government and the city of Hitachiomiya regarding the survey plan.
It is noted that selecting a site for radioactive waste disposal in Japan has always faced difficulties due to opposition from local residents. The government has repeatedly called for cooperation from local authorities, but no location has yet agreed to become a final disposal site.
