March 13, 2016

Survey: 3,000 tons of radioactive waste unreported

http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20160313_14/

An NHK survey has found that at least 3,000 tons of undesignated radioactive waste from the 2011 Fukushima nuclear accident is being kept in 30 municipalities in 7 prefectures.

Local governments and farmers have not reported that they are storing the waste, as they are worried about false rumors.

The government designates, stores and disposes of rice straw and soil that are contaminated with more than 8,000 becquerels of radioactive materials per kilogram.

However, it is up to municipalities and farmers whether to apply for the designation.

NHK surveyed more than 500 municipalities in eastern Japan and found that 3,114 tons of this type of waste is being kept in 30 municipalities in 7 prefectures, including Fukushima and Tokyo, without being designated.

Some local governments said they did not report that they were storing the waste because they are worried about false rumors.

Others said they would still have to keep the waste if it is designated, as the construction of disposal facilities is facing difficulties.

The government plans to investigate the actual situation of undesignated waste, and consider methods of disposal.