[3/29] Nuke dump site nearer?

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[Editorial] Nuke dump site nearer?

[사설] 핵폐기장 부지 선정 다가왔는가?

 After the bitter experiences in Buan last year, the government seems to be buoyed by the prospect of finally resolving the problem of finding a site for the nation's first nuclear waste storage facility. Five cities and counties have expressed intent to offer a site with the consent of residents.

Gyeongju and Uljin, which already have nuclear power plants operating four and six reactors, respectively, are in the forefront of the bidding. Two other locations on the southeastern coast, Pohang and Yeongdeok, are also vying for the project which community leaders believe is a good opportunity to vastly improve the local economy. Gunsan port on the west coast has designated an offshore island for waste storage.

It is natural that administration officials and many residents in these places are attracted by the government offer of huge subsidies, amounting to 300 billion won, in addition to an annual income of 5 to 10 billion won in "storage fees." And there also is the assurance of construction of an ultra-modern scientific facility known as a proton linear accelerator center, as well as the head office of state-run Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co., the operator of nuclear power plants, in the chosen location

When the mayor of Buan, North Jeolla Province, made the bid to bring the storage facility to Wi-do island early last year, he believed most of the residents would welcome the project, counting on direct benefits to them. He had the open support of a community development committee. But things turned out unexpectedly, with the intervention of environmental activists and poor handling of public opinion by local and central government authorities. After months of violent demonstrations, the Wi-do plan was scrapped.

To pick a location, winning the consent of residents is as important as geological surveys. Not a simple majority but absolute majority support is needed for such a decision and any remaining objectors should be persuaded to concede in the interest of the community. And, the authorities should be aware that people's sentiments change abruptly when not all expectations are met.

In this free country, local or international environmental and anti-nuclear groups cannot be barred from engaging in their opposition campaigns in any selected location. But administration authorities should take meticulous public relations efforts to counter the activists' logic. All facts about nuclear hazards and safety measures should be provided to residents so they can make a decision with full knowledge.

One thing which must be made clear is that the storage facility is for low-degree nuclear waste only, and not for the spent fuel from nuclear power plants. The authorities should reveal plans for high-degree waste storage so residents of candidate locations would not have any unnecessary apprehension about the project they are to accept.

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