Hitachiomiya City debates nuclear waste disposal site survey

The city of Hitachiomiya in Ibaraki Prefecture is facing intense debate regarding a proposal from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry to conduct a literature survey for a high-level radioactive waste final disposal site.

During the final session of the city council, discussions became heated as lawmakers debated whether the city should accept the survey. Some council members have called for more transparency, demanding public information sessions and arguing that a decision should not be made hastily. Mayor Sadayuki Suzuki, who has previously indicated a positive stance toward accepting the survey, is expected to clarify his position.

Literature surveys are the first stage in selecting a site for nuclear waste disposal. Municipalities that agree to these surveys can receive grants of up to 2 billion yen. To date, four other municipalities have undergone this process.