Purpose of Transparency

Transparency efforts should address a question fundamental to the safe utilization of nuclear materials:  how do we verify that neither our nor other countries' nuclear activities pose a threat to the safety or health of humans or the environment?

World populations have experienced negative impacts resulting from accidents associated with the peaceful use of nuclear energy. Society has become skeptical towards the continuing presence of facilities involved with nuclear materials. For example, recent accidents at the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor in Monju, the Tokai Works’ Bituminization Facility, and the JCO Fuel Fabrication Facility have increased the fear and uncertainty of the Japanese people toward nuclear energy.

Implementation of nuclear transparency technologies can be an effective method of communicating with local communities. Information can be shared and provided to stakeholders to assure them that nuclear facilities are being operated in a safe and environmentally friendly manner. Local populations need to know that the air they breathe, the water they drink, and the foods they eat are free from any radioactive contamination resulting from operations at these nuclear facilities.

Transparency efforts that may alleviate some concerns of the local population and their governmental entities include allowing open access to monitored data from operating facilities as well as information and processes used in the course of decision making.