This is the report of a literature survey conducted for the first time in the country in two towns and villages in Hokkaido in order to select a final disposal site for high-level radioactive waste generated from nuclear power generation, so-called "nuclear waste." The draft plan was made public, and the entire area of Suttsu Town and a portion of the southern end of Kamienai Village were indicated as candidate sites for the next stage of the survey.
Because "nuclear waste" continues to emit strong radiation for a long period of time, the law requires it to be buried 300 meters or deeper underground for final disposal. ' has been held in Hokkaido's Suttsu Town and Kamenai Village since November 2020 for the first time in the country.
The draft report, released on the 13th, states that the second stage of the survey will include the entire area of Suttsu Town and part of the southern tip of Kamoenai Village, excluding a 15km radius from the summit of the volcanic Mt. Shakotan. It was indicated that the area would be a candidate for a preliminary survey area, where activities such as bowling would be held.
On the other hand, active faults around the southern part of Suttsu Town, which were estimated to have unfavorable characteristics in the ``Scientific Characteristics Map'' created by the government in 2017, will be confirmed in detail as the investigation progresses. The site was not excluded from the list of candidate sites for the "Outline Survey".
The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry says it would like to receive an official report after several months of discussion at a council made up of experts, after which local mayors and the Hokkaido governor will proceed to a "summary investigation." The focus is on whether they agree, but Governor Suzuki has indicated his intention to oppose the plan, citing local ordinances that prohibit the disposal site from being accepted.