Japan's Siting Process for the Geological Disposal of High-level Radioactive Waste
An International Peer Review
The Nuclear Energy Agency carried out an independent peer review of Japan’s siting
process and criteria for the geological disposal of high-level radioactive waste in
May 2016. The review concluded that Japan’s site screening process is generally in
accordance with international practices. As the goal of the siting process is to locate
a site – that is both appropriate and accepted by the community – to host a geological
disposal facility for high-level radioactive waste, the international review team
emphasises in this report the importance of maintaining an open dialogue and interaction
between the regulator, the implementer and the public. Dialogue should begin in the
early phases and continue throughout the siting process. The international review
team also underlines the importance of taking into account feasibility aspects when
selecting a site for preliminary investigations, but suggests that it would be inappropriate
to set detailed scientific criteria for nationwide screening at this stage. The team
has provided extensive advisory remarks in the report as opportunities for improvement,
including the recommendation to use clear and consistent terminology in defining the
site screening criteria as it is a critical factor in a successful siting process.
Published on September 09, 2016
In series:Radioactive Waste Managementview more titles