Ibaraki won’t accept second-stage survey for nuclear waste site, governor says

Mito – Ibaraki Gov. Kazuhiko Oigawa has said that he has no intention of consenting to proceed to a preliminary survey, the second stage of the three-tier selection process for choosing a final disposal site for high-level radioactive waste from nuclear power plants.

“I don’t plan to give my approval” for such a survey, the governor told a news conference Friday. “My position will not change,” he added, also ruling out the possibility of hosting such a facility.

The remarks came after Sadayuki Suzuki, mayor of Hitachiomiya in Ibaraki, announced Wednesday that his city will accept a literature survey, the first stage of the selection process.

Conducting a preliminary survey requires the consent of the prefectural governor.

Ibaraki “has already contributed to the central government’s energy policy significantly by shouldering burdens,” mainly from hosting Japan Atomic Power Co.’s Tokai No. 2 nuclear plant in the village of Tokai, Oigawa said.

“I think there is an imbalance between the benefits and the burden,” he added.

The governor also said that areas without nuclear power plants should be considered candidates for a final disposal site first.

Meanwhile, Suzuki said Friday, “I see the situation differently from the governor.”

On whether the city will seek help from the central government, the mayor said, “I might consider that possibility if we reach a conclusion that we need to advance cooperation for the future (of our city) during upcoming briefing sessions for our residents.”

The same day, Suzuki sent a document to industry minister Ryosei Akazawa indicating his intention to accept the literature survey.