Potential sites picked for radioactive waste disposal

At the same time, thanks to advances in nuclear waste processing technology, Taiwan now produces only about 300 barrels of low-level radioactive waste each year.

Given this trend, a permanent disposal facility would only have to cover an area of 1-2 square kilometers to accommodate the existing 200,000 barrels of low-level waste plus another 800,000 barrels estimated to be produced until 2049, when Taipower is expected to decommission its last nuclear power generator.

But the reality of actually building a waste disposal facility is more complicated and faces severe obstacles.

The law, for example, requires that a countywide referendum be held within six months of the announcement of candidate sites. The referendum will only pass if more than half of the country’s eligible voters turn out to vote and if more than half of them cast a “yes” vote.

That means that even if those residing in the village where the underground facility will be built unanimously embrace the project, it can still be vetoed in the referendum, as many members of the public remain skeptical about the safety of such facilities and the possible environmental impact they will cause.

Even if a proposal passes the referendum test, it still faces another crucial hurdle — an environmental impact assessment — before it can be referred to the Executive Yuan for final approval.

Once the Cabinet approves the site, a construction timetable will be worked out and Taipower said it is hopeful that if the process reaches this stage, construction can get underway by 2010 and can be completed by 2015.

Reactions from the three potential sites have been mixed.

While the Pingtung county government and local residents say they will respect the referendum result, all Penghu social quarters, including the county government, have voiced bitter opposition, as people there fear that the disposal facility might derail their dream of turning their island county into a thriving tourist destination with plush casinos and other modern entertainment facilities.

As for Taitung, the eastern county is caught in a dilemma. Under strong pressure from anti nuclear groups, the county council rejected screening a draft bill on a countywide referendum in its last session.

With the fate of the legislation uncertain, the county government has become more reserved about the project, and despite Taipower’s handsome financial incentives, half of the county’s residents remain opposed to the project, according to recent surveys.

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