Futaba Mayor Proposes Reusing Contaminated Soil for Local Public Works

In a recent press conference in Fukushima on February 24, Futaba Mayor Shiro Izawa suggested a plan to repurpose soil contaminated by the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant accident for the construction of public works in his town. During the meeting attended by Cabinet members and local officials, Izawa noted that while the idea could help address the growing issue of soil stockpiles created after the triple meltdown incident, acquiring support from both local residents and those in heavily affected areas like the Tokyo metropolitan region might prove difficult.

Following the 2011 nuclear crisis, considerable amounts of topsoil were removed from areas across Fukushima Prefecture to reduce radiation exposure. The decontaminated soil was then relocated to an interim storage facility set between Futaba and the neighboring Okuma. With an estimated volume equivalent to 11 Tokyo Domes, the soil has become a major challenge, especially since legislation mandates its removal from the prefecture by 2045.

According to government plans, only the soil with radioactivity levels considered safe will be reused for projects such as road filling and other public works. The intent is to significantly reduce the volume of soil requiring final disposal. Despite these plans, demonstration projects in various locations, including Fukushima Prefecture and even in parts of Tokyo and Saitama, have stalled due to local opposition driven by fears of radioactive contamination; concerns that Izawa echoed during his discussion with Environment Minister Keiichiro Asao and Governor Masao Uchibori. He clarified that his suggestion remains a personal opinion and indicated that further dialogue with Futaba residents and the local assembly is planned as the town moves forward with infrastructure needs.