PART III. FUTURE POLICY ON ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION
The government shall develop comprehensive and systematic policies,
utilizing a combination of methods appropriate for each problem, closely
coordinating the different policies. To realize this Plan's long-term
objectives: i. a socioeconomic system incorporating closed material
circulation must be built to reduce the negative effects of
environmentally burdensome activities, ii. harmonious coexistence must
be established, which demands the maintenance and restoration of a
healthy ecosystem and a harmonious coexistence between nature and human
beings, iii. participation by each sector of society must be ensured,
where each sector voluntarily and actively participates to conserve the
environment, fairly spreading the cost throughout society , and iv. a
international effort must be promoted.
Environmental problems have become problems of global proportion
affecting wide geographical areas and implicating the lives of many
generations. They must therefore be dealt with an a comprehensive
manner. Many problems are caused through routine daily activities. It
is important to combine various methods, such as the Environmental
Impact Assessment (EIA), regulatory measures, economic measures, program
funding, environmental education, environmental learning, support for
both corporate and individual efforts and promotion of scientific
technology.
Furthermore, it is necessary to design a comprehensive policy for
individual problems. It should examine the circumstances of each
problem and evaluate the effectiveness of each measure. It should take
into consideration the relationship between similar problems and similar
measures. It should establish objectives and indicators as necessary.
As quantifiable objectives which relate to individual problems, the
state of the environment, the burden on the environment, the number of
businesses affected by each individual measure and the efforts of each
sector of society are each described in this Plan.
These objectives are based upon individual laws and decided within an
established framework. They shall be examined to ensure that they are
in accordance with this Plan's fundamental goal. As necessary,
comprehensive reviews shall be initiated, establishing specific goals
for the necessary fields, designed with effective measures for
implementation, and effecting individual plans.
NOTE: The purpose of providing the following references is to indicate
this Plan's objective's basis in law and to present the procedures
discussed during the Cabinet Minister's Conference. The Plan has its
formal basis in law as a result of the deliberations of the Cabinet
Minister's Conference. The Conference that enacted it is referenced
because it was thought important to strengthen this Plan. Also, the
objectives for this Plan are as of the day of the Cabinet Minister's
Conference decision.
CHAPTER 1. Building a Socioeconomic System Fostering Environmentally
Sound Material Cycle
1. Basic Direction
Burdens on the atmosphere, water and soil are caused by interference
with nature's normal circulation of materials. To prevent this burden
from occurring, newly developed technology should be implemented and
investments should be made. In this manner it will become possible to
increase the speed of natural breakdown of waste materials or increase
the efficient use of resources and energy. Improvements should be made
in the production process. The flow of people and products should be
made more efficient. The use of environmentally friendly products
should be increased. Proper recycling methods and waste disposal
practices should be employed. New energy sources and the development of
reusable energy should be promoted.
There is a fear that immense and/or irreparable burdens may be imposed
since scientific certainty on the environment is lacking. Therefore,
measures, designed with ample scientific knowledge that utilize strict
cost/benefit tests should not be delayed. Burdens on the atmosphere,
water and soil, as impartially as possible, should be reduced. Measures
for waste disposal, recycling and measures to reduce the environmental
risk of toxic chemicals should be implemented, as should far reaching
measures that take into account new problems, arising from advances in
technology.
2. Comprehensive Measures and Systematic Implementation
Goals and guidelines necessarily shall be established, setting
standards, based on the Basic Environmental Law, to maintain a healthy
environment. The following measures, with the mutual cooperation of
each sector of society, shall be systematically implemented. In
particular, comprehensive examinations shall be performed on as yet
unachieved environmental quality standard provisions and measures to
hasten their attainment.
Section 1. Conserving the Atmosphere
The atmosphere is borderless. For this reason, burdens on the
atmosphere could lead to a wide range of problems, at both the
atmospheric and surface levels. Changes in atmospheric composition can
lead to problems of global proportions. Advection and reaction can
create problems for large areas, while accumulation of harmful
substances in the atmosphere creates a dilemma for metropolitan areas.
Various toxic substances pose health hazards and atmospheric changes
affect human environments at the regional level.
To solve these problems, measures in accordance with each of the
following basic aims shall be implemented.
Achieving the Environmental Quality Standards and Other Targets
Objectives, designed with an ample scientific knowledge, shall be
established setting environmental quality standard goals, according to
the special characteristics of each problem and environmental burdens
reduction goals. Appropriate measures for the attainment and
maintenance of these goals shall be promoted.
Reducing Environmental Load from Various Socioeconomic Activities
Comprehensive environmental burden reduction measures shall be promoted
to reduce burdens resulting from socioeconomic activities like
industrial production, transportation and routine activities of
individuals.
Consideration of the Relationship with Water, Soil and Ecosystem
Measures directing attention to the ecological impact of burdens on the
atmosphere, the atmosphere's relationship with water and soil, the
cleansing and climatic moderating properties of green spaces shall be
promoted.
REFERENCE 1
Environmental quality standards for air pollution and noise pollution
(based on the Basic Environment Law)
Nitrogen Dioxide: Daily average to be within or below 0.04ppm-0.06ppm
Sulfur Dioxide: Daily average to be below 0.04ppm, and hourly average
below 0.1ppm
Carbon Monoxide: Daily average to be below 10ppm, and 8-hour-average
below 20ppm
Suspended Particulate Matter: Daily average to be below 0.10mg/m3, and
hourly average below 0.20mg/m3
Photochemical Oxidants: Hourly average to be below 0.06ppm
Noise: Decided by area type and time classifications. Areas beside
roads are given different values, as are areas near Shinkansen ('bullet-
train') tracks or airports.
1. Conserving the Global Atmosphere
Global warming and the depletion of the ozone layer are environmental
problems of a long-term nature and may harbor seriously threatening
consequences. Measures, designed with ample scientific knowledge,
preventative in nature, must be promoted.
1.1. Global Warming
The problem of global warming cannot be solved by a single country. It
must be solved with international cooperation. Our ultimate objective is
the same with that of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate
Change , i.e. "stabilization of greenhouse gas concentrations in the
atmosphere to a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic
interference with the climate system." Consideration shall be paid to
the provisions of the Convention that "such a level should be achieved
within the time frame sufficient to allow ecosystems to adapt naturally
to climate change, to ensure that food production is not threatened and
to enable economic development to proceed in a sustainable manner."
Among developed countries, there is a consensus that further
consideration is needed to promote commitments by all the contracting
parties, and to clarify the measures beyond the year 2000 for which the
Convention have no provisions. In this context, in the medium term,
Japan will make further efforts to promote various measures in
cooperation with other countries as well as to the formulation of the
new international framework to arrest global warming.
For the time being, we will aim at attaining the goal of our Action
Program to Arrest Global Warming that we committed to promote at the
UNCED, in cooperation with the international community. We will continue
to promote various measures in the Program, monitoring the status of
implementation annually, and fully taking into account new scientific
knowledge.
REFERENCE 2
Targets under the Action Program to Arrest Global Warming
(October 1990, Cabinet Ministers' Conference on Global Environmental
Problems)
(Targets)
The targets for the limitation of greenhouse gas emissions shall be set
as follows.
(1) The Government, based on the common efforts of major industrialized
countries to limit CO2 emissions, establishes the following target for
the stabilization of Japan's CO2 emissions.
A.The emission of CO2 should be stabilized on a per capita basis in the
year 2000 and beyond at about the same level as in 1990, by steadily
implementing a wide range of measures under this Action Program, as they
become feasible, through the utmost efforts by both the government and
private sectors.
B. Efforts should also be made, along with the measures above, to
stabilize the total amount of CO2 emission in the year 2000 and beyond
at about the same level as in 1990, through progress in the development
of innovative technologies, etc.., including those related to solar,
hydrogen and other new energies as well as fixation of CO2 at the pace
and in the scale greater than currently predicted.
(2) The emission of methane should not exceed the present level. To the
extent possible, nitrous oxide and other greenhouse gases should not be
increased.
With respect to sinks of CO2, efforts should be made to work for the
conservation and expansion of forests, greenery in urban areas and so
forth in Japan and also take steps to conserve and expand forests on a
global scale, among others.
(Duration of the Action Program)
The Action Program covers the period from 1991 to 2010, with 2000
set as the intermediate target year. During this period, the Action
Program should be reviewed, as necessary, for its flexible response to
international trends, accumulated scientific findings and so on.
REFERENCE 3
Japan's Greenhouse Gas Emissions in 1990
(September 1990, Japan's Action Report on Climate Change based on the
Framework Convention)
Carbon Dioxide Emissions Per Capita 2.59 tons of carbon/capita
Total Carbon Dioxide Emissions 320 million tons of carbon
Total Methane Emissions 1380 Gg (1Gg(Gigagram)=1000tons)
Total Nitrous Oxide Emissions 48 Gg
1.1.a. Limiting CO2 Emissions
A. Formation of urban and regional structures with low CO2 emissions
The measures to be promoted include:
- increase of greenery in cities to alleviate the heat-island phenomena,
- propagation of energy-saving buildings,
- introduction of co-generation systems,
- utilization of unused heat from urban activities such as subway
through usage of heat pumps,
- diffusion of district heating systems,
- supply of heat from waste incineration and
- utilization of energy from sewage sludge.
B. Formation of transport systems with low CO2 emissions
The measures to be promoted include:
- reduction of CO2 emissions from individual motor vehicles,
- increase of energy efficiency of trains, ships and airplanes,
- introduction of automobiles with low CO2 emissions, including electric
cars,
- modal shift to mass transit systems such as railways and ships in
areas of medium or long transport between major terminals,
- improvement of transport efficiency to trucks,
- maintenance and usage of public means for passenger transport,
- construction of bypasses, ring roads and other facilities to mitigate
traffic jams, and
- facilitation of sophisticated traffic control systems.
C. Formation of production structures with low CO2 emissions
The measures to be promoted include:
- improvement of combustion efficiency,
- introduction of energy-saving manufacturing facilities and production
processes,
- improvement of energy efficiency of farming machinery and fishing
ships, among others, and the use of natural energy in agriculture,
forestry and fisheries, and
- improvement of energy efficiency in construction machinery in the
construction sector.
D. Formation of energy supply structure with low CO2 emissions
The measures to be promoted include:
- increase of energy efficiency in conversion process including
improvement of power generation efficiency,
- development and use of nuclear power, based on the assurance of safety,
- use of hydraulic and geothermal energy, photovoltaic and wind power
system, and natural gas,
- introduction of dispersed power generations, such as fuel cells and
photovoltaic cells,
- development of the infrastructure for the use of LNG as urban gas, and
- to smooth out electric demand differences between day and night.
E. Realization of lifestyles with low CO2 emissions
The measures to be promoted include:
- recycling,
- a review of excessive packaging,
- use of products with low CO2 emissions,
- introduction of the "daylight saving system",
- reduction of working hours,
- appropriate temperature adjustment in air condition and heating, and
- introduction of high energy efficiency equipments.
1.1.b Reducing Emissions of Methane and Other Greenhouse Gases
Measures shall be promoted to reduce methane emissions in waste
disposals, agriculture and energy production and utilization. The
Development of technologies and new measures shall simultaneously be
promoted. Nitrous oxide emissions shall be monitored and control
measures shall be considered. The contribution on global warming caused
by other substances shall be assessed.
1.1.c. Enhancing CO2 Sinks
The conservation of forests shall be ensured and sustainable forest
management be promoted. Furthermore, the greens in and around cities
shall be adequately conserved and increased through increasing
vegetation in parks and other public facilities. Efforts shall also be
made to promote appropriate trade of tropical timber and the efficient
use of timber resources.
1.1.d. Promotion of Research and Observation/Monitoring
Comprehensive research such as the understanding of the mechanism of
global warming and future prediction, assessment of impacts on Japan,
policy planning and its evaluation, and studies on global warming
focusing on the Asian-Pacific region shall be promoted. Observation and
monitoring by satellites and the dissemination of data shall also be
promoted.
1.1.e. Development and Dissemination of Technology
The development of technologies to limit greenhouse gas emissions,
technologies for absorption, fixation, etc. of greenhouse gases and
technologies for adaptation to global warming shall be promoted.
1.1.f Promotion of Public Awareness
The dissemination of the outline of the Action Program and precise
information and environmental education shall be promoted. Furthermore,
voluntary actions shall be supported.
1.2. Protecting the Ozone Layer
Based on the Law Concerning the Protection of the Ozone Layer through
the Control of Specified Substances and Other Measures, the production
of the ozone depleting substances (specified CFCs etc.) shall be
regulated in accordance with the schedule provided by the Montreal
Protocol, and measures shall be taken for emission control and rational
use of these substances. Furthermore, the Government shall promote
recovery, recycling and destruction of these substances through
development of related technologies, establishment of the social system
to enhance their recovery, recycling and destruction under fair share of
burden, diffusion of knowledge, etc. Other measures include development
of alternative substances and technologies taking other environmental
impacts into consideration, research on the mechanisms of ozone layer
depletion, monitoring of ozone layer, etc.
REFERENCE 4
Ozone depleting substances production/consumption control schedule
(based on the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone
Layer, revised November 1992)
CFC 1996 phased out
Halon 1994 phased out
Carbon tetrachloride 1996 phased out
1,1,1-Trichloroethane 1996 phased out
HCFC 2030 phased out
HBFC 1996 phased out
Methyl Bromide 1995 stabilized at 1991 level
2. Preventing Broadly Spreading Air pollution
The problems of acid rain and photochemical oxidants result from
transportation and reaction of pollutants in the atmosphere. If acid
rain continues at its present rate, it is feared that the ecosystem will
be detrimental affected. There is also anxiety that the effects of acid
rain in East Asia and particularly in Japan will worsen. Presently,
there has been no progress in preventing pollution from photochemical
oxidants. To correct these problems, the following measures shall be
promoted.
2.1. Acid Rain
It is feared that acid rain is inflicting burdens upon the ecosystem
and the long-term effects of acid rain the ecosystem are unclear.
Measures, designed with ample scientific knowledge, must be promoted to
prevent it. These measures take into consideration the possible impact
of advection from continents and large cities. While conducting surveys,
observations and investigative research on pollution, its mechanisms
and effects on the ecosystem should also be determined.
2.2. Photochemical Oxidants
Contamination by photochemical oxidants has been spreading over vast
areas. The government, in cooperation with local governments, shall
promote regional and comprehensive measures such as regional
observations, investigations on the contaminating mechanisms of these
chemicals, and emission control of pollutants. These measures shall be
coordinated in conjunction with those of acid rain.
3. Preventing Urban Air Pollution
The problem of nitrogen oxides and suspended particulate matter (SPM)
still remains in large urban areas. Environmental quality standards
have not been satisfactorily attained. Of the various problems arising
from SPM, health hazards caused by particles released in diesel exhaust
are of particular concern. In order to deal with such concerns, the
following measures shall be promoted.
3.1. Nitrogen Oxides
Comprehensive measures shall be implemented to reduce emissions from
mobile sources, such as automobiles, and from stationary sources, such
as factories and the work-place.
3.1.a. Automobiles
Regarding automobiles, the Government shall implement exhaust emission
control measures, aiming at achieving as promptly as possible the long-
term targets of exhaust emission control, recommended by the Central
Council for Environmental Pollution Control in 1989. Together with
local governments and businesses, the Government shall take the lead in
introducing and promoting the use of low-emission vehicles as well as
supporting fuel supply maintenance facilities, as technology makes them
feasible.
In areas designated by the Law Concerning Specific Measures for Total
Emission Reduction of Nitrogen Oxides from Automobiles in Specific Areas,
to achieve to objectives of the Basic Policy to for Nitrogen Oxides
Reduction and the Nitrogen Oxide Reduction Plans, the following measures,
in addition to the preceding ones, shall be promoted.
REFERENCE 5
The target for achieving environmental quality standards for nitrogen
dioxide
The Basic Policy for Nitrogen Oxides Reduction (January 1993) and the
Nitrogen Oxide Reduction Plans (November 1993) set the target of nearly
achieving the environmental quality standard for nitrogen dioxide by the
year 2000. in the designated areas.
REFERENCE 6
The targets concerning the curtailment of the aggregate nitrogen oxides
burden
The Nitrogen Oxide Reduction Plans set the target value of total amount
reduction of automobile emitted nitrogen oxides in each designated area.
A. Regulations shall be placed on certain automobile types and their
influx prevented.
B. The increased use of cars that produce less pollution will be
promoted to reach the goal set in the Nitrogen Oxides Reduction Plans.
C. Joint and bulk cargo transport and a shift to mass transit systems,
such as railways and ships, shall be actively promoted in medium to long
distance transport between major ports. Also, the development and
improvement of port facilities shall be promoted.
D. The maintenance of public transportation and facilities for
pedestrians and cyclists shall be promoted.
E. To relieve congestion, bypass and loop maintenance, intersection and
crossing improvements, effective enforcement of traffic regulations,
parking measures, traffic control system improvements and traffic
information systems shall be promoted.
F. Soil, plants and other biological pollution filters shall be promoted
as first stage decontamination systems.
G. Guidance on appropriate and practical automobile use shall be
promoted.
H. With appropriate enforcement of the Nitrogen Oxides Reduction Plan,
in an effort to continue reducing nitrogen oxides, surveys and
examinations shall be promoted.
REFERENCE 7
The target of increasing low-emission vehicles
The Nitrogen Oxides Reduction Plans set the target that 300,000 low-
emission vehicles should be introduced in the designated areas by the
year 2000.
3.1.b. Stationary Sources
Emission control measures for stationary sources shall be appropriately
enforced.
3.1.c. Others
Appropriate measures for minor sources, such as construction equipment,
shall be enforced. Methods to reduce gas emissions from ships shall be
examined. Moreover, the maintenance of green buffer zones, shall be
promoted.
3.2. Airborne Particles
3.2.a. Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM)
Regarding SPM, restrictions on automobile exhaust and emissions from
factories and other business facilities shall continue to be implemented.
Since pollution continues to spread over vast areas, investigations
shall be promoted on pollution mechanisms, including those on secondary
particle formation processes. As necessary, comprehensive measures
designed for distinct metropolitan areas shall be implemented.
3.2.b. Diesel Exhaust Particles (DEP)
Regarding DEP, one of the components of SPM, the Government shall
implement exhaust emission control measures, aiming at achieving as
promptly as possible the long-term targets of exhaust emission control,
recommended by the Central Council for Environmental Pollution Control
in 1989. Simultaneous research into related health effects shall be
promoted.
The previously mentioned measures aimed at nitrogen oxides also
contribute to reduce DEP through regulation to diesel cars and reduction
of automobile traffic.
3.2.c. Measures for Dust From Studded Tires
In snowy or frozen places, dust from spiked tires is a problem. To
prevent this problem, regulations shall be implemented. Also, measures
for winter road maintenance and the development of spike substitutes
shall be actively promoted.
3.2.d. Sulfur Oxides
Measures to reduce atmospheric contaminants, like sulfurous oxides,
shall continue to be implemented.
4. Measures on Toxic Substances
According to general data regarding the monitoring of atmospheric,
concentrations of toxic substances in the environment, such as organic
chlorine compounds, have yet to reach dangerous levels. Some fear,
however, that these toxic substances could eventually create health
hazards. The Government shall promote systematic measures such as
increased monitoring and the cultivation of information on the effects
and sources of such potentially hazardous substances.
5. Improving the Living Environment
Nuisances like noise, vibrations and offensive odors, things that
affect human senses, need to be reduced to ensure a comfortable and
healthy living environment. Although the number of complaints regarding
these problems has been decreasing, they still make up a relatively
large portion of total complaints. Their sources are many and
increasing.
The government has so far been unable to gain satisfactory results in
its effort to attain certain noise standards in the transportation
sector and new problems, like that of ultra-violet rays, are arising.
The government will promote the following measures to fight these
problems.
5.1. Noise and Vibration Control
The government shall promote the following measures to prevent noise
and vibration pollution.
5.1.a. Automobile Traffic
The Government shall promote comprehensive measures to decrease noise
pollution from traffic and other sources. These include regulation of
noise from individual automobiles and measures to ease the flow of
traffic, such as, the development of bypasses and loops. Likewise,
noise proof walls and the establishment green buffers shall be promoted.
It will examine measures on appropriate roadside zoning laws and will
implement measures to decrease automobile vibrations.
5.1.b. Shinkansen and Airplanes
The government shall promote measures to prevent noise and vibration
pollution from shinkansens and noise pollution from airplanes. These
include measures to stop noise at the source, measures to implement
zoning laws and to employ sound-proofing techniques.
5.1.c. Railways
The government shall promote measures to prevent conventional railway
noise and vibration pollution. These include examining the possible use
of sound indicators.
5.1.d. Factories and Construction Site
The government shall promote measures to prevent noise and vibrations
from factories, the work-place and construction sites. Regulations to
control noise and vibration pollution at the source, technology
developments and zoning laws supporting relocation shall be promoted.
5.1.e. Residential
The government shall promote measures to prevent residential noise
pollution, such as the disbursement of educational materials.
5.2. Offensive Odor
The government shall promote zoning laws supporting relocation,
emission regulations and the disbursement of educational materials.
5.3. Other
The government shall promote the continued implementation of anti-dust
measures. It shall simultaneously promote investigations into the
burdening effects of a thinning atmosphere and ultra-violet rays.
6. Establishing a System for Monitoring the Atmosphere
The establishment of an effective atmospheric monitoring system is
necessary to implement adequate measures for atmospheric conservation.
It shall be implemented in cooperation with local governments and shall
be employed to monitor both regional and global problems, their
character and their expansion. Ocean based and space based monitoring
systems shall be utilized and ultimately, a systematic monitoring
procedures shall be established.
Additionally, employing the help of local residents in this effort
shall be considered.
Section 2. Conserving the Water Environment
Water circulates in the nature in the form of evaporation,
precipitation, seepage, standing, downstream flowing and flushing into
the sea. In such process, water purifies itself of pollutants. On the
other hand, water is utilized and recycled in many ways through various
socioeconomic activities, which impose burdens on the water environment
at each stage of utilization.
Therefore, it is important to limit burdens on the water environment
within the nature's capacity of purification in the process of water
circulation. Considerations must also be made on the burdens on the
water environment through atmosphere and soil, and on the effects on the
atmospheric environment or ecosystem through the deterioration of the
water environment. To address these problems, we must take an integrated
view of conserving the quality and quantity of water, aquatic creatures
and waterside areas. In these regards, policies shall be promoted to
reduce burdens on the water environment at every stage of water
utilization, to protect aquatic ecosystems, and to secure environmental
safety.
1. Environmentally Sound Water Circulation
Natural circulation of water has changed for a number of reasons. The
depopulation and progressive aging of rural communities has created
difficulties in maintaining rural forests and farmlands while
urbanization has prevented seeping, causing springs to run dry. Water
is, likewise, being burdened at each stage of utilization. The
following measures shall be promoted to address these problems.
1.1. Achieving the Environmental Quality Standards and Other Targets
In order to reduce burdens on water resources at each stage of water
utilization, bearing in mind that water utilization and circulation must
go hand in hand, scientific knowledge shall be cultivated and
aggressively applied. Environmental target standards to ensure human
health and mankind's living environment shall be formulated and measures
shall be promoted to achieve and maintain these targets. Regular
revisions of environmental quality standards to protect mankind's living
environment shall be promoted since changes in certain aquatic regions'
utilization targets and circumstances may occur after having their
classifications set. More extensive investigations shall be promoted
for environmental target standards which focus on their impact on
aquatic life.
REFERENCE 8
Environmental quality standards on water quality
(based on the Basic Environmental Law ):
Environmental quality standards have been set for the following water
contaminants in order to protect human health:
Cadmium, total cyanide, lead, hexavalent chromium, arsenic, total
mercury, alkyl mercury, PCBs, dichloromethane, tetrachloromethane, 1,2-
dichloroethane, 1,1-dichloroethylene, cis-1,2-dichloroethylene, 1,1,1-
trichloroethane, 1,1,2-trichloroethane, trichloroethylene,
tetrachloroethylene, 1,3-dichloropropene, thiuram, simazine, thiobencarb,
benzene and selenium.
Environmental quality standards have been set for the following water
contaminants to conserve mankind's living environment:
Rivers and Streams: hydrogen-ion density, the amount of biochemical
oxygen demand, floating substances, dissolved oxygen and coliforum
bacillus groups.
Lakes and Marshes: hydrogen-ion density, the amount of chemical oxygen
demand, floating substances, dissolved oxygen, coliforum bacillus groups,
nitrogen and phosphorus.
Oceans: hydrogen-ion density, the amount of chemical oxygen demand,
dissolved oxygen, coliforum bacillus groups, extracted substances in
normal hexane, nitrogen and phosphorus.
1.2. Restoring and Maintaining Sound Water Circulation
It is necessary to restore and maintain soundly functioning water
circulation. Therefore, proper maintenance management activities shall
be promoted, like tending and cultivating forests which play an
important role in water purification or managing agricultural lands,
like rice fields which act as water reserves and recharge ground water.
The conservation of water quality, quantity, aquatic life and the
aquatic environment shall be promoted to restore and maintain the
natural purification ability of lakes, rivers, streams and marshes. To
ensure sound water circulation in metropolitan areas, utilization of
sewer refuse, vegetation, permeable pavement and the establishment of
seeping measures for rainwater shall be promoted. Conservation shall be
promoted in coastal waters, natural coastlines, tidal flats, seaweed
beds and shallow water areas. Moreover, the development of artificial
tidal flats and beaches, which also aid in water purification, shall be
promoted.
1.3. Measures in Accordance with Specific Regional Characteristics
To ensure the sound circulation of water, measures shall be promoted
which are adapted for the particular characteristics of the region.
With the cooperation of local communities and businesses, universal
methods for evaluating water quality, quantity, aquatic life and other
aquatic environments shall be studied.
1.4. Fair Burden Sharing
Measures shall be examined to ensure fair burden sharing between the
different sectors of society. The voluntary and active participation of
all citizens shall be encouraged and the cooperation between riparian
local governments shall be promoted.
2. Reducing Environmental Load at Each Stage of Water Use
Environmental burdens are generated at each stage of water utilization.
The government shall promote measures to reduce this burden along with
measures to stop pollution before it starts.
2.1. Types of Environmental Burdens and Their Reduction
The following measures shall be promoted to reduce environmental
burdens, depending on the type of environmental burdens generated.
A. Regulations on proper waste water disposal shall be promoted for
factories and other business enterprises. They shall be encouraged to
incorporate water recirculation systems into their production processes.
Buildings, in general, will also be encouraged to employ water
recirculation systems and to utilize rain water.
B. As for domestic waste water, improved sewage systems shall be
promoted and depending on the location, agricultural community sewage
treatment facilities and/or combined treatment septic tanks shall be
encouraged. Special plans shall be formulated for areas of particular
domestic waste water concern. At the same time, information about ways
to reduce domestically produced pollution (e.g. from the kitchen) will
be disseminated.
C. Measures to clarify the actual burden caused by indiscreet pollution
sources in urban and agricultural areas shall be researched. The
development and dissemination of technology to handle urban and
agricultural waste water shall be promoted.
2.2. Developing and Disseminating Technology for Water Conservation
Advanced sewage treatment system technology shall be developed and
disseminated. Waste water treatment technology for small scale
factories shall be simultaneously developed, as will advanced technology
for combined treatment septic tanks. These shall be promoted to reduce
the environmental burden caused domestically and by small scale
factories which are not currently the target of any waste water control
policies.
2.3. Ensuring the Safety of Water Environment
The following measures shall be promoted to ensure safe water.
A. To reduce the burdens on water resources, chemical substances that
may have adverse effects on human or aquatic organisms shall be properly
managed by introducing production processes that reduce discharges of
those substances and by improving utilization methods of such chemicals.
At the same time, regulations on toxic substance discharges,
underground infiltration and agricultural chemicals shall be more
properly implemented. Proper waste disposal shall be ensured and anti-
accident measures formulated.
B. Trihalomethanes can be formed, for example, when chlorine empties
into water purification plants. Discharging trihalomethane forming
substances by industrial or domestic sources, shall be regulated.
Similarly, measures shall be introduced at water purification plants and
for rivers and streams.
C. Concerning underground water contamination by toxic substances,
measures to increase methods of clarifying the contaminating mechanism
and purification technologies shall be implemented.
D. Research shall be promoted to clarify the cause and effect of
underground water contamination by nitrate nitrogen. Potential measures
compatible with the special characteristics of the region and/or source
shall be studied.
E. Measures shall be implemented to remove toxic substances from the
ocean floor.
3. Conserving the Environment in Closed Water System
Levels of organic pollution in lakes, marshes, inland seas, inner bays,
rivers and streams in urban areas and other closed bodies of water have
stabilized and, in some areas, have shown improvement. However,
compared to other bodies of water, the improvements have been rather
unsuccessful. Therefore, the following measures shall be promoted.
A. Accumulation problems
Closed water and urban river and stream areas, areas where pollution
and contaminants tend to accumulate, shall be comprehensively
investigated and appropriate measures shall be promoted.
B. Improving sources of tap water and river quality
To improve the quality of tap water sources and seriously polluted
urban rivers and streams, discharge regulations and sewage improvements
shall be promoted. Facilities shall be established to treat domestic
waste water and measures shall be implemented to ensure water quality
and quantity in rivers and streams.
C. Specific measures
Measures shall be promoted for places of particular concern, such as
lake Biwa, Tokyo Bay, Ise Bay and the Seto Inland Sea. These measures
shall be based on the Lake and Marsh Water Quality Conservation Plan and
the Total Pollution Reduction Plan. These measures shall be promoted in
coordination with domestic discharge measures.
REFERENCE 9
Water quality targets for lakes
For designated lakes under the Law Concerning Special Measures for Lake
Water Quality Conservation, the Lake Water Quality Conservation Plans
set water quality targets to be achieved in five year period, foreseeing
the achievement of environmental quality standard.
REFERENCE 10
Water pollutant reduction targets for inland seas
Basic Plan for Total Water Pollutant Reduction (January 1991) and the
Total Pollution Reduction Plans (March 1991) set targets of reduction of
water pollutants in terms of chemical oxygen demand to be achieved by
1994 for Tokyo Bay, Ise Bay and Seto Inland Sea.
D. Eutrophication
Environmental water standards for nitrogen and phosphorous shall be
promoted for lakes, marshes and ocean region to prevent eutrophication.
The establishment of domestic waste water treatment facilities for
sewers and sewage in targeted water areas shall also be promoted.
Regulations shall be implemented for waste water and water quality shall
be improved.
E Organic sludge
Organic sludge accumulation cleanup measures, such as dredging, shall
be implemented in rivers, streams, lakes, marshes, ports and other water
areas.
4. Conserving the Marine Environment
Although the number of reported oil spills has been decreasing, waste
being dumped into the ocean has continued unabatedly. In an attempt to
stop such pollution, the following measures shall be promoted.
A. From land
Investigative surveys shall be performed to better understand the total
burden being imposed on the ocean from land (e.g. discharged by rivers).
Appropriate measures shall be introduced.
B. From ships
Appropriate measures shall be introduced to restrict oil, toxic liquids
and other waste dumping from ships.
C. From tankers
Preventative measures shall be promoted to protect against oil spills.
Preparations shall be made to handle them if they do occur and measures
for an oil compensation security system shall be promoted.
D. Investigations
Ways to decrease the amount of gas discharged by ships shall be
investigated.
E. Studies
Measures to prevent pollution caused by activities on the ocean floor
shall be studied.
F. Other
The development of new technologies and research shall be promoted to
combat floating waste, massive oil spills and the use of inorganic tin
coatings on the bottom of ships' hulls.
5. Establishing a System for Monitoring the Water Environment
An effective monitoring system must be established to implement proper
conservation measures and to fully understand the state of the water
environment. The following measures shall be promoted.
A. Systems shall be established by the government to effectively carry
out environmental quality standards monitoring for designated items.
The results of these monitoring activities, which will require the
cooperation of related ministries, agencies and local governments, shall
be used to formulate and implement a water quality evaluation plan.
B. Comprehensive measures for evaluating the water environment using
biological indicators shall be established and surveys shall be
conducted with the cooperation of local residents.
C. Comprehensive surveys and monitoring shall be conducted to check the
regional expansion of ground water pollution.
D. Comprehensive evaluations and surveys shall be conducted to conserve
the ocean environment.
Section 3. Conserving the Soil and Ground Environment
The soil environment is crucial for water purification, food and
timber production, etc. It plays a key role in ecosystem maintenance
and nature's restoration process. It must, therefore, be conserved.
In addition, the Government shall promote measures to conserve the
ground environment, through preventing ground subsidence and maintaining
environmentally sound underground water circulation.
1. The Safety of the Soil Environment
Although pollution prevention measures have seen steady progress in
agricultural areas, there have been an increasing number of pollution
cases identified by underground water surveys and factory site
redevelopment projects.
To solve these problems, scientific knowledge on the impact of
contaminated soil on human health and the ecosystem shall be accumulated
and environmental quality standards shall be set taking into
consideration the relationship between different environmental media.
To maintain sound soil and to restore contaminated soil, the following
measures shall be implemented, with special attention to the movement of
pollutants between it, water and air.
A. Regulations shall be properly implemented on the discharge of toxic
substances, smoke and on agricultural chemicals.
B. Measures to prevent pollution from mining activities shall be
promoted.
C. Investigations and surveys on the contamination of urban and
agricultural areas shall be instituted.
D. Considering the extent and range of contamination and its impact on
surrounding nature, efforts shall be made to improve soil that does not
meet the environmental quality standards so that these standards are
attained. For this, the Government shall promote measures for soil
contamination in agricultural areas. Regarding contamination in urban
areas, the Government shall promote development of technologies for
environmental remediation and other measures.
REFERENCE 11
Environmental quality standards for soil pollution
(based on the Basic Environment Law)
The Government has set environmental quality standards for the following
soil contaminants:
Cadmium, total cyanide, organic phosphorus, lead, hexavalent chromium,
arsenic, total mercury, alkyl mercury, PCBs, copper, dichloromethane,
tetrachloromethane, 1,2-dichloroethane, 1,1-dichloroethylene, cis-1,2-
dichloroethylene, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, 1,1,2-trichloroethane,
trichloroethylene, tetrachloroethylene, 1.3-dichloropropene, thiuram,
simazine, thiobencarb, benzene and selenium.
2. Conserving the Ground Environment
The state of ground subsidence, once a grave problem in various parts
of the country, have been decreasing in general. Nevertheless, severe
ground subsidence still remains to be observed in some districts.
Therefore, to conserve the ground environment, the following measures
shall be promoted.
A. Environmentally sound underground water circulation shall be
maintained through promoting measures for conserving groundwater, such
as the control of groundwater pumping-up which brings about ground
subsidence, the securing supply of substitute water in order to reduce
the pumping-up of groundwater, the encouragement of rainwater seepage
into ground by planting trees, constructing permeable pavements, and
installing permeable "cubes".
B. Research into the cause of falling groundwater levels accompanying
underground space utilization shall be promoted. Technology
developments shall be encouraged for the prevention of going down of
groundwater level among others. Furthermore, measures shall be
considered to prevent environmental damage caused by utilization of
underground space.
C. As for areas where severe ground subsidence is observed and areas
suffering severely from the effects of ground subsidence, appropriate
measures shall be taken to achieve targets such as those established in
the Outline of Measures for Preventing Ground Subsidence.
REFERENCE 12
Targets for Ground Subsidence Prevention
The Outline of Measures for Preventing Ground Subsidence (April 1985 for
the Nobi Plain and the Chikugo-Saga Plain, November 1991 for the
Northern Kanto Plain) establish the target for volumes of groundwater
puming-up to be achieved by fiscal year 1994 (2000 for the Northern
Kanto Plain)
D. Monitoring surveys shall be implemented to collect precise
information, such as the volumes of groundwater pumping-up and the
present state of ground subsidence nationwide.
Section 4. Policies on Waste and Recycling
As socioeconomic activities have developed and become characterized by
mass-production, mass-consumption and mass-disposal, the total volume
and variety of waste have increased. Land-fill capacity is becoming
strained. At each stage of activities from resource extraction to waste
disposal, more and more burden on the environment is generated.
Therefore, a socioeconomic system which can attain a state of
sustainable development must be developed, by enhancing cycling of
material within the socioeconomic system.
Policies on waste and recycling shall be promoted along the following
direction. First, generation of waste should be reduced. Second, reuse
of used products should be promoted. Third, waste should be recycled
into raw materials. Where the technological level makes such recycling
difficult or not economically feasible, heat recovered from incineration
should be used as energy source, taking sufficient measures to prevent
adverse environmental effects. Waste that was generated finally should
be disposed of in an appropriate manner.
Furthermore, a new socioeconomic system needs to be created where
responsibilities and costs on waste and recycling are shared among
business, consumers, local governments and the national government as
necessary. In such a new system, there should be incentives to reduce
waste generation and recycling at each stage of product development,
manufacturing, import, distribution, consumption, collection and
regeneration.
The government, aiming ultimately at achieving a zero-waste society,
shall take appropriate measures to reduce waste and promote recycling.
At the same time, studies shall be made on the way to share burden
fairly. The government shall also promptly promote studies on targets
for waste and recycling policy. These targets shall be established and
revised as necessary.
1. Reducing Waste Generation
Apart from promotion of recycling, measures shall be taken to
discourage the production and sales of disposable goods and excessive
packaging practices, and to encourage consideration in design,
manufacturing and distribution of products such as making them more
durable. Likewise, people shall be encouraged to reconsider their
lifestyle and to refrain from using disposable goods. Economic measures,
such as collection of fees in accordance with the volume of household
waste, shall be utilized to encourage waste reduction. Other measures
include promotion of national campaigns to reduce waste, and the
dissemination of information on waste disposal.
As for controlling the generation of toxic waste, consideration in
product design and manufacturing shall be promoted.
2. Promoting Recycling
2.1. Reuse
Measures shall be promoted for standardization of containers for easy
reuse, facilitation of exchanging and/or selling of used products, etc.
2.2. Collection and Regeneration
To reduce environmental burden, it is necessary to promote the
regeneration of resources from waste and the collection and reuse of
recyclable resources.
For this purpose, the government shall take measures to encourage
producers to make their products easier to recycle, to improve the
resource recovery system through separate collection by municipalities
an utilization of product distribution network, and to maintain of
proper collection system of used paper. To encourage recycling, the
government shall consider the introduction of economic measures such as
a deposit refund system, and of a system for reclaiming of used product
by producers etc. Measures shall be promoted to encourage corporations
to achieve the targets on the use of recycled materials and to improve
the regeneration capacity taking into account the specific conditions
such as development of new usage of recycled materials. The use of
recycled products shall be promoted and their markets shall be broadened
through promotion and encouragement of increased use of recycled
products by the central and local governments, corporations and
people, taking into account the fact that recycled products
are more expensive compared to products manufactured from virgin
materials. Studies on standardization of recycled products shall be
promoted. As a foundation to these measures, the government shall
promote development and dissemination of recycling technologies along
with cooperation and communication between different sectors of industry,
as well as promoting public relation activities, national campaigns for
recycling, and provision of information.
As for recycling of construction by-product such as gravel, dirt,
sludge and scraps, measures such as information exchange shall be
promoted, taking a broader geographical view.
REFERENCE 13
Targets on recycling of paper and glass
(The Order of Ministry of International Trade and Industry, October 1991,
base on the Utilization of Reclaimed Resources Promotion Act)
Recycled paper utilization 55% (in 1994)
Glass cullet utilization 55% (in 1995)
REFERENCE 14
Targets on recycling of metal cans
(Council for Industrial Structure, Waste Disposal and Resource
Reclamation Subcommittee Report, November 1990)
Steel can reclamation over 60% (in 1995)
Aluminum can reclamation 60% (by the end of 1994)
2.3. Packaging
In order to reduce waste and environmental burdens related to packaging,
the government shall consider the introduction of a new system where
municipalities undertake separate waste collection and the industry
undertakes reclamation and resource regeneration, and take necessary
measures. Studies from a broad perspective shall be made about a system
including the utilization of economic instruments such as reflecting on
the product price the costs needed for reclamation and regeneration.
2.4. Recycling Facilities
Aiming at creating a "zero-waste society" where waste circulates in the
socioeconomic system, almost all of the waste disposal shall be changed
from the one which only incinerate and bury the waste to the one which
promotes recycling as much as possible and utilizes the heat from
incineration, in about the beginning of the 21st century.
Technology development shall be promoted for recovering fuel oil from
plastics, fusing and solidifying of incinerator ashes, heat utilization
and power generation, and production of solid fuel from waste.
2.5. Environmental Consideration in Recycling
The government shall study the effects of recycling on the environment,
collect information on toxic substances possibly contained in recycled
products, and consider necessary measures.
3. Promoting Proper Waste Disposal
3.1. Disposal Facilities
Landfill sites and intermediate processing facilities shall be
developed to promote proper waste disposal including sufficient
environmental consideration. For landfill sites, cooperation between
local authorities shall be promoted, and especially in large urban areas,
measures shall be taken with a broad view across the prefectural
borders.
Development of disposal facilities for industrial waste disposal, which
is the responsibility of corporations who generate it, shall be promoted
involving public sector as necessary.
3.2. Cooperation Between Local Governments and Corporations
Difficulties arising in the disposal of product which have been use
must first be evaluated by companies. Then, products which can be
easily disposed of must be developed. The availability of information,
in this regard, to local governments shall be promoted.
In principle, municipalities are responsible for disposal of household
waste. However, several types of products are designated as being
difficult to dispose of, such as large refrigerators. In such matters,
cooperation of industry to municipalities shall be promoted, such as
encouraging the collection of used appliances by retailers and their
disposal outside the municipal waste disposal system.
3.3. Environmental Consideration in Waste Disposal
To conserve the environment around landfills, strict monitoring and
dumping controls shall be strengthened. Likewise, there shall be strict
long-term management after the landfill is closed. Investigative
surveys shall be performed as well to enhance their construction and
thereby increase their trustworthiness.
To promote proper disposal of toxic waste, the government shall
additionally designate types of industrial waste needing special control,
strengthen the the governments for landfill, and promote development of
appropriate technology for waste disposal. The body of knowledge about
environmental impacts of waste disposal shall be increased, including
evaluation of toxicity of waste. Management systems, set up to study
appropriate methods for waste transport and disposal shall be employed
and illegal dumping and disposal shall be prevented (a "manifest system").
When illegal disposal occurs, immediate measures to return the
environment to its former state shall be ensured. Maintenance of a
framework of measures to prevent litter shall likewise be promoted and
necessary education provided.
Section 5. Policies on Environmental Risks of Chemicals
There is no denying the usefulness of chemical substances. However,
their production, use and disposal can have harmful effects on both the
ecosystem and on human health. There is little known about the harmful
effects of many of these chemical substances. The environmental impact
of the substances which are generated through reaction in the
environment and combustion of Chemical substances must also be
considered.
Potentially harmful effects on human health and the ecosystem from the
production, utilization and/or disposal of chemical substances must be
prevented before they occur. To prevent these harmful effects and to
ensure a safer environment, various measures shall be taken such as
evaluating the environmental risks and comprehensively reducing those
risks.
1. Evaluating Environmental Risks
Environmental risks on human health and the ecosystem resulting from
the production, use and/or disposal of potentially toxic chemicals must
be evaluated in cooperation with international environmental risk
evaluation and risk management programs. The Government shall take
measures for proper risk assessment, to improve our knowledge on
environmental risks of chemical substances, such as characteristics of
the substance (e.g. health impact, ecological impact, decomposition,
accumulation), fate and behavior (e.g. emissions, movement between
environmental media, reactions, biological metabolism), environmental
concentrations, extent of human exposure, etc. The measures also include
appropriate provision of information on the environmental risks, and
studies on more effective and comprehensive risk estimations and
administration procedures. Studies shall also be made for understanding
environmental risks through different environmental media such as
air and water, and on compound effect of different chemicals.
The result of these studies shall be used for policy implementation.
2. Reducing Environmental Risks
To reduce the environmental risks in producing, using and disposing of
these types of chemicals, the government shall implement measures to
restrict their discharge into the atmosphere, water or land. In
accordance with the level of toxicity, their manufacture and use shall
be controlled. Substitute technologies and products shall be developed
and disseminated. Measures for their appropriate collection and
disposal shall also be implemented.
Section 6. Environmental Consideration in Technological Development etc.
As new technologies are developed and utilized, there is a possibility
of new impacts on the environment. When it is foreseeable that the use
of certain technologies may be burdening to the environment,
environmental aspects of this new technology shall be thoroughly
examined from the phase of technology development. Appropriate measures
must be implemented, with the ultimate goal of preventing these problems
before they occur. The fruits of high technologies shall be
affirmatively applied to environmental conservation.
When its is feared that environmental problems other than those
mentioned above will occur as a result of environmental loadings of
human activities, the government shall make efforts to take
precautionary action to prevent such problems, together with the
continuous efforts to improve our scientific knowledge.
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