Abstract
This study aims at revealing the relationships among risk assessment result, risk perception model and risk acceptance model of the residents near nuclear power plants in Japan. Risk acceptance model is based on the trust of resident to nuclear power plants (NPPs) companies. The risk perception of the residents is very fragile and is not always based on objective technical knowledge. In addition, there are two models of risk acceptance: traditional trust model and salient value similarity model. In order to discuss the risk communication framework between NPPs with residents, applicability of two modes on the perception of the residents should be investigated. The author collected questionnaire from local resident near Kashiwazaki-Kariwa NPP in Niigata, Japan. Severity of risk is significantly affected by the extents of risks, not by amount of knowledge. Radiation relating hazard is normally evaluated higher risk. Risk acceptance level is significantly related to the factors of social benefits and trust to the NPPs company, not by regional interest nor amount of knowledge. Furthermore, value similarity model was not significant in this study. The results demonstrated that risk acceptance model of local residents near NPPs could be arranged by traditional trust model. In order to establish mutual trustworthy relationships between local residents and NPPs engineer, expert knowledge in nuclear power, communication skills, and expertise in safety are necessary to the engineers.
Highlights
The Niigata Chuetsu-oki earthquake that occurred on July 16, 2007 caused severe damage to the KashiwazakiKariwa region around the city of Kashiwazaki
This study observed the relationship among risk assessment, risk perception model and risk perception model of local residents near nuclear power plants (NPPs) in Kashiwazaki-Kariwa region
2) The extent of acceptance on the risks by NPPs is significantly related to the factors of social benefits by NPP and trust to NPP Company by the local residents
Summary
The Niigata Chuetsu-oki earthquake that occurred on July 16, 2007 caused severe damage to the KashiwazakiKariwa region around the city of Kashiwazaki. The Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant, whose capacity is the largest in the world, was affected. Images of black smoke rising from the power plant shocked local communities. The specific damage to the power plant concerned fire in the transformers, damage to buildings and equipment from the seismic activity, and traces of radiation leakage. Under these circumstances, it has not been possible to dispel the concerns and anxieties of the local population and resume the power plant’s operation. The main reason for this is the difference between the perceptions of the technical expert and the citizens about the risks that nuclear power plants represent
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