Plan storage for contaminated soil

TOKYO, Dec. 14 (UPI) -- Interim facilities to store contaminated soil and ash from Japan's Fukushima nuclear plant will be built in Futaba County, a local official said.

Okumamachi Mayor Toshitsuna Watanabe told the Yomiuri Shimbun the Environmental Ministry is expected to officially announce plans for the storage facilities by the end of the year.

Futaba County has eight municipalities including Futabamachi and Okumamachi where the earthquake damaged nuclear power plant is located.

Watanabe said he was told this week the ministry would soon hold a meeting with Futaba municipalities to explain plans for the storage facilities.

Sources familiar with the matter told Yomiuri Shimbun the government is considering purchasing or leasing land in areas expected to remain uninhabitable for an extended period due to high levels of radiation.