Premier Jiang Yi-huah today gave promise that the nuclear waste currently stored on Orchid Island would be moved to another location. Speaking to representatives of anti-nuclear groups, the premier also said cooperation and open dialogue between the government and civic groups would help untangle thorny public policy issues and pave the way for national progress.
In response to several concerns raised by meeting participants, Premier Jiang pledged that:
1.Orchid Island would not be a final repository site for nuclear waste.
2.The "cash reward" system for Orchid Island residents would be reviewed.
3.Evacuation drills for residents near nuclear power plants would be conducted.
4.Nuclear-related information would be made transparent, while a minister without portfolio will be designated to coordinate dialogue between civic groups and various government agencies on nuclear waste disposal issues.
As for the Tao Foundation's demand that nuclear waste be immediately removed from Orchid Island, Premier Jiang stated that while the outlying island has long served as a temporary disposal site, it will by no means become permanent. But before the waste can be cleared out of Orchid Island, the government must first find the location and the means for such removal. Jiang said he is keeping close tabs on the matter and hopes to see a breakthrough during his term in office. He is also planning to visit the island in the near future to survey conditions for himself.
Regarding calls to amend the act on nuclear waste site selection, Premier Jiang said the act had been approved by the Legislature after thorough review, hence the opinions expressed by meeting participants will be passed along to the legislative caucuses for reference. As for actual selection of the sites, when the act was passed in 2006, it designated Kinmen County's Wuqiu Township and Taitung County's Daren Township with the requirement that local referendums be held to obtain community support and endorsement. However, neither of the two local governments has yet to agree to hold such referendums, which makes it difficult to enforce the act. The premier hopes central authorities will continue to communicate with the two local governments while also considering other viable means.
As for concerns from a north coast anti-nuclear alliance that the "cash reward" system could be used improperly, Premier Jiang said the Executive Yuan will investigate any alleged illegal activities involved in the mechanism for paying cash as rewards to residents living near nuclear power plants. The Executive Yuan will as well consider addressing the payments as compensation or reparation rather than cash rewards.
The premier also listened to feedback from north coast residents that the Atomic Energy Council's (AEC) nuclear safety drills were designed primarily for the frail or elderly—a minority of the residents—and that the timing of the drills was inappropriate, and the evacuation routes unsuitable. Jiang responded by saying no shortcuts or compromises will be tolerated when it comes to citizens' safety and demanded that ministries take actions to improve. The premier ordered the AEC to supervise its subordinate units more closely and said he would personally oversee the exercises if necessary.