Issues and suggestions for public perception of the safety of the high-level radioactive waste disposal - Through analyzing the case of the environmental assessment and review process for the nuclear fuel waste management and disposal concept of Canada

The concerns of the Japanese public about the disposal of high-level radioactive waste (HLW) increase as the nuclear fuel cycle program makes progress. For responding to public concerns, the Japanese government is taking measures of developing the framework of the HLW disposal project such as preparing legislation and establishing the implementing entity. The activities for public acceptance of this project have been initiated recently. In the process of siting, the implementing entity will be required to gain public confidence in the safety of the disposal concept. This paper first summarizes the technical aspects of the HLW disposal projects in Various countries. Then, it discusses the issues for public perception of the safety of the HLW disposal with analyzing the case of the environmental assessment and review process for the nuclear fuel waste management and disposal concept administered in Canada and makes suggestions for future steps to be taken in Japan.