2013 Fiscal Year Research-status Report
| Project/Area Number |
24530035
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| Research Institution | Meiji University |
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Principal Investigator |
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| Keywords | information disclosure / government records / nuclear contamination / cleanup / archive / citizen participation |
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| Research Abstract |
In the first year of the project (FY 2012) we conducted scoping research to assess the existing public availability of relevant information and to identify specific areas where valuable information was not yet disclosed. These areas would be the subject of our information requests. In the course of this work we compiled a reference directory of existing public documents and other information.
During the second year, we reviewed the initial scoping work and consulted with experts and interested citizens groups, then we selected the theme of cleanup of contaminated districts (除染) as a major target of research. During FY 2013 we followed through on this decision by filing numerous requests with various government agencies regarding the cleanup of radioactive contamination.
Our requests with the Ministry of the Environment have been especially fruitful. Other requests filed with the Japan Nuclear Regulation Authority have also yielded large numbers of valuable documents.
During FY 2013 we commenced the analysis and evaluation of the government records we have received, such as those described above. This is a preliminary step toward making the records available through our Internet portal. A working model of our Internet website is complete. All records must be appropriately identified and categorized so that researchers can easily find material that meets their needs. This work continues.
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| Current Status of Research Progress |
Current Status of Research Progress
3: Progress in research has been slightly delayed.
Reason
At this stage, the information gathering aspect of the project is moving forward very well. We have not followed the original schedule because the volume of documents acquired is so large and the content is so complex.
For example, the Ministry of the Environment identified more than two thousand document pages in response to a series of requests we filed in October, 2013. These documents concern such issues as the nature of the cleanup operations (photos and other records), radiation measurements in affected areas (including areas near radiation monitoring stations), contracts related to cleanup operations, records of meetings involving local government officials and others concerning cleanup plans, and other material.
Much time is required to analyze documents received and properly categorize them.
The next critical step is to devote sufficient time to understand and categorize the thousands of pages documents we have received, to assess their value, and plan the next stages of the work. These stages will include: 1) uploading documents into our database and making them available for Internet access, 2) ongoing identification of additional government records and continuous filing of information requests, 3) organizing meetings of researchers to get feedback on the value of our findings and recommendations for further research, and 4) preparation of texts for publication.
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| Strategy for Future Research Activity |
We seek to prioritize records that show how the nuclear accident has affected the health and daily lives of residents in contaminated areas. We will focus our information requests and analysis on this theme. We will place this information before experts to obtain their comments and evaluation and their guidance regarding our continuing research efforts.
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| Expenditure Plans for the Next FY Research Funding |
We seek to prioritize records that show how the nuclear accident has affected the health and daily lives of residents in contaminated areas. We will focus our information requests and analysis on this theme. We will place this information before experts to obtain their comments and evaluation and their guidance regarding our continuing research efforts.
We do not anticipate significant expenditures for equipment during the coming year. Instead, our major expenditures will include costs related to ongoing information requests, compensation for staff who analyze and categorize records and upload them into the system, fees for expert comments, costs related to organizing workshops and other public events, and miscellaneous expenses.
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