Japan to Establish New Decontamination Base in Okuma, Fukushima

Japan's Ministry of the Environment has decided to establish a new work base in Okuma Town, Fukushima Prefecture, in the next fiscal year to coordinate decontamination and house demolition work in difficult-to-return zones following the accident at Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO)'s Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, aiming to accelerate environmental recovery in the affected areas.

Within seven municipalities surrounding the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, approximately 309 square kilometers have been designated as difficult-to-return zones. These areas remain under strict control, with restrictions on residential habitation and entry, and evacuation orders remain in effect.

Within the difficult-to-return zones, the Japanese government has established "specified return residential areas" and plans to advance decontamination, house demolition, and other measures based on residents' intentions to return. The new base to be established in Okuma Town will be responsible for on-site management and project coordination, with approximately 30 staff members expected to be assigned. The relevant branch office currently located in Hirono Town will be relocated to Okuma Town.

The Japanese government plans to lift evacuation orders for the specified return residential areas within the 2020s. Japan's Ministry of the Environment stated that the new base will serve as the command center for related projects, coordinating decontamination and house demolition work in the specified return residential areas.