Moved to the process of selecting a "nuclear waste" disposal site
On the 9th, Suttsu-cho, Hokkaido applied for the first stage of the "literature survey" regarding the selection of the final disposal site for so-called "nuclear waste" generated after the operation of the nuclear power plant, while Kamoenai Village was also from the national side. The selection process will start one after another with the prospect of accepting the offer and deciding the application.
On the 8th, Mayor Haruo Kataoka of Suttsu Town applied for a "literature survey", which is the first stage of selection, regarding the selection of a final disposal site for high-level radioactive waste from nuclear power plants, so-called "nuclear waste". I decided.
In response to this, Mayor Kataoka will visit NUMO = Nuclear Waste Management Organization of Japan on the 9th to submit documents and formally apply.
This is the first municipality to apply since the country published a national "Scientific Characteristic Map" in 2017, three years ago, showing areas that could be surveyed.
On the other hand, an executive of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry will visit Kamoenai Village in Hokkaido, which is considering applying, on the 9th and apply for a literature search.
In accepting this, Mayor Masayuki Takahashi will decide to apply and will officially announce it at a press conference.
A series of applications from local governments will start the process of selecting a final disposal site, which has been stalled for many years.
Governor Suzuki of Hokkaido "Continue Dialogue at All Levels"
Regarding the decision by Mayor Kataoka of Suttsu Town to apply for the "literature survey," Governor Suzuki told reporters in Tokyo on the 8th, "As a road,'high-level radioactive waste is unacceptable.' In enacting and operating the ordinance, we have repeatedly requested compliance and careful consideration at all levels. I think that the town will move to the procedure in the future after receiving a formal statement, but we will continue to do so at all levels. I want to continue the dialogue. "
He added, "Under the Final Disposal Law, the governor can express his / her opinion when shifting from the" literature search "to the" summary search ", and in that case, I would like to firmly express the opposite opinion."
Regarding the concerns of the surrounding local governments, he said, "It is natural to explain to the townspeople, but the surrounding local governments are also very interested, and the town has officially announced the application, so please give a polite explanation." He acknowledged that he needed to explain.
On the other hand, regarding the fact that the mayor of Kamoenai Village, Takahashi, is expected to decide to apply for the survey on the 9th, Governor Suzuki said, "Since the country will make an offer to the village, what kind of measures will be taken? I would like to keep an eye on it. I would like to continue to encourage the village to comply with the ordinance at all levels. "
There are also issues in the process and procedure up to the application for "Literature Survey"
Issues have also been pointed out in the process and procedures leading up to the application for the "Literature Survey" in Suttsu-cho, Hokkaido and Kamoenai-mura.
It was pointed out that the investigation of large grants may stop halfway.
One is the problem that even though a large amount of grants are issued in the "literature survey", it may not proceed to the subsequent survey.
The first stage of the "literature survey" does not reflect the opinions of the Governor of Hokkaido in the procedure, but it should not be conducted if the governor of Hokkaido opposes it before entering the second stage of the "summary survey". It has become.
The ordinance of Hokkaido states that "high-level radioactive waste is unacceptable in Hokkaido," and the governor of Hokkaido is cautious about applying for surveys by local governments.
Regarding Suttsu Town, Mayor Kataoka cites that one of the reasons for applying is the influence of the new coronavirus, and the town's finances are becoming more difficult.
In addition, in the minutes of the private meeting of the Suttsu Town Council obtained by NHK, the mayor said, "It does not mean that we will receive a final disposal site," and the maximum amount was 2 billion yen in this "literature survey." , I am struck by the desire to obtain a maximum of 7 billion yen, or a total of 9 billion yen, that can be obtained by accepting the second stage "summary survey".
It has been pointed out that even if a large amount of grant is paid due to such a situation, the investigation will be stopped halfway and it may not lead to the selection of the disposal site in the end.
On the other hand, a national official said, "The problem of the disposal site has remained stagnant for many years. First of all, the start of the survey will raise interest nationwide and increase the number of local governments that will embark on the survey." I will tell you the meaning.
Regarding this, Professor Kota Juraku of Tokyo Denki University, who is a member of the national expert committee on the selection of disposal sites and is familiar with the relationship between nuclear power and society, said, "Although it is in the early stages, if a local government that applies for it appears, I think it has a certain significance for those involved in the problem. However, if it is concluded that the local intention does not advance to the stage after the literature search, there is a possibility that society will disagree in light of the scale and purpose of the grant. Gender cannot be denied. The country needs to clarify the rules in more detail so as not to cause conflicts. "
He also pointed out "the way of consensus building"
Some have pointed out how consensus building should be.
In Suttsu Town, there were many voices opposed to applying for the literature survey at the town's resident briefing session, and on the 7th, a local resident group signed the town asking for a referendum to ask whether to apply. There was also a move to submit.
On the other hand, Mayor Kataoka of Suttsu Town said at a press conference held at the Japan National Press Club on the 2nd of this month, "I feel that more than half of the residents are in favor of it." If I don't feel it in my skin while interacting with the residents, I shouldn't be the mayor. I heard that the signing movement of the other party is also sluggish, and I feel that my skin feeling is correct. " I was saying.
Regarding the process up to the application in Suttsu Town, Professor Juraku explained, "The country and NUMO are just early stage surveys, but there is no fundamental question left among the residents,'Why choose here?' If there is a conflicting situation in the area, there is a risk that it will be difficult to consider the disposal site problem in other areas, so how will discussions proceed in Suttsu Town in the future? , I think we will be deeply involved in the future outcome of this issue as a whole. ”Instead of leaving it to the local community alone, the government and NUMO should support it and consider reviewing the system and procedures. I am complaining.
Also pointed out in "The meaning of" scientific characteristic map ""
In addition, the meaning of the "scientific characteristic map", which is a national map showing areas that may be surveyed, has been pointed out from the literature and data published by the government three years ago.
The map is color-coded, and the areas shown in green are considered "areas with a relatively high probability of confirming favorable characteristics" and two-thirds of the entire country is green.
In particular, the dark green area is within 20 km from the coast, and it is said that it is "favorable in terms of waste transportation", and there are about 900 municipalities that include even a part of these areas. about it.
On the map, Suttsu-cho is mostly dark green, but Kamoenai-mura is mostly "yellow".
Yellow is an area that is "presumed to have unfavorable characteristics" when considering long-term geological stability, and in the case of Kamoenai Village, it is said that volcanoes are nearby.
On the 9th, the government will apply for a literature search in Kamoenai Village, which is dominated by yellow.
Regarding this, NUMO, the authorized corporation of the country conducting the survey, says that it is possible to conduct a literature survey because some areas of the village have favorable characteristics.
In addition, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Kajiyama said at the press conference, "There are some areas that are expected to have favorable characteristics. If you conduct a literature search, you can investigate and analyze the literature data such as geological maps in more detail, and in fact You can confirm the characteristics of the product, "he emphasized the significance of entering the survey.