佐賀県玄海町で「文献調査」開始　核ごみ処分場、原発立地自治体初

　原子力発電環境整備機構（ＮＵＭＯ）は１０日、高レベル放射性廃棄物（核のごみ）の最終処分場選定の第１段階に当たる「文献調査」を、佐賀県玄海町で開始した。文献調査を行うのは北海道寿都町、神恵内村に続いて全国３例目で、原発立地自治体では初めてとなる。同日、経済産業省が必要な事業計画の変更を認可した。
　核のごみは、原発の使用済み燃料の再利用後に残る廃液をガラスで固めたもので、政府は地中に埋める最終処分場を探している。文献調査は約２年かけ、地質図や学術論文をもとに火山や断層の影響を分析。第２段階の「概要調査」に進めば、地面を掘るボーリング調査を実施。概要調査には知事や市町村長の同意が必要となる。（2024/06/10-19:30）

The Nuclear Waste Management Organization of Japan, or NUMO, on Monday started a "literature survey" of Genkai, Saga Prefecture, for a possible final disposal site for high-level radioactive waste from nuclear plants.
   The southwestern town is the third municipality in the country to accept such a survey, after the town of Suttsu and the village of Kamoenai, both in the northernmost prefecture of Hokkaido. It became the first among those hosting nuclear power plants.
   The same day, the industry ministry approved necessary changes for the project.
   In April, the Genkai town assembly approved a petition submitted by local business groups for the town to apply for a literature survey, which is the first of the three stages in the process of selecting a final disposal site. In May, Genkai Mayor Shintaro Wakiyama said that the town would accept the survey.
   Meanwhile, Saga Governor Yoshinori Yamaguchi has expressed opposition to hosting a final disposal site in the prefecture. Wakiyama is also cautious about making a final decision.