Environmental Report 2022

Environmental Risk Management

Emergency Response

Murals were painted on the cut-off walls as a community spirit activity.

Prevention of Soil and Groundwater Pollution

2010: JAE assessed risk of leakage and seepage into the soil with regard to its facilities that handle toxic substances and fuel oil-related facilities, then began to raise its underground pipes, installing them above ground (JAE Akishima Plant)

2013: The JAE Group commenced inspections with regard to the aging and useful lifespan of environment-related equipment and at facilities designated for storage of toxic substances, and regularly replaces the main valves on collateral pipes and other parts at proper intervals so as to reduce the risk of leakage. (JAE Akishima Plant)

2014: The above-ground installation of pipes, that had run underground, for toxic substances and those related to fuel oil, which had been assessed as high risk, was completed. Accompanying equipment upgrades to clean emissions generated in the plating process, the wastewater cleaning process tower's retainer walls were recoated. (HAE)

2015: In order to construct the Comprehensive Assessment and Testing Building, the former plant was demolished. Soil testing confirmed that there was no contamination. (JAE Akishima Plant, former site of No. 4 plant)

2018: Acid and alkaline treatment tanks were placed above ground and water pipes in the pit were replaced to prevent environmental pollution (HAE).

2019-2021: To further improve the environmental pollution prevention system, a portion of the underground storage tank of the wastewater treatment facility was moved above ground. The above ground move is expected to be completed in several years (HAE).

2021: The septic tank was updated to reduce the risk of soil contamination. (YAE).
New and additional wastewater treatment piping installed above ground (HAE).

 

Japan’s Water Pollution Prevention Act has established structural standards and mandatory periodic inspections of facilities that require the use of harmful substances to prevent groundwater contamination. Periodic inspections conducted by the JAE Group found no serious damage that could lead to contamination. Minor damage is repaired soon after discovery, and steps are being taken to mitigate risk.

Compliance with Environmental Regulations

• Standardization of the Group’s legal registration forms and compliance status survey forms
• Holding practical legal training for legal and regulatory research staff at each Group site to improve knowledge of laws and regulations

●Compliance Record for Fiscal 2021
In fiscal 2021, the JAE Group received no compliance-related notices or orders from government authorities for exceeding regulatory values in areas such as gas emissions, water discharge, noise and vibration. However, the Akishima Plant continued to observe minor but perceptible excesses of BOD values (standard value of less than 300 mg/L), SS values (standard value of less than 300 mg/L) and pH values (standard minimum value of 5.7; maximum value of less than 8.7). The cause was thought to be human sewage within the plant. The Akishima Plant has informed the local wastewater authority of Akishima-shi of the situation and is now pursuing corrective measures.

●Act on Promotion of Resource Circulation for Plastics
Japan’s Act on Promotion of Resource Circulation for Plastics took effect in April 2022. Although the media has focused on “single-use plastic” (such as disposable spoons and forks provided for free at retail stores and other shops), this law is broadly relevant to businesses at every stage of the production and disposal of plastic products, and the JAE Group is one of the businesses required to comply with this law.
　Although the JAE Group has long promoted activities that are among the responsibilities required by this law, such as environmentally friendly design and zero-emissions activities, the Group will continue to advance these activities to comply with the law more appropriately.