Environmental Report 2018

Compliance with Environmental Regulations

Regulatory compliance has long been a top priority for the JAE Group. It continually researches environmental regulations and works to prevent risks such as exceeding or overlooking obligations stipulated in regulatory standards. Moreover, in order to minimize damage that may occur in the event of an environment-related accident, the JAE Group predetermines response procedures and conducts regular training to confirm their effectiveness.

Compliance with Environmental Regulations

The JAE Group has some 70 environmentally related regulations on record for which compliance status must be constantly ascertained.
 The Group periodically checks public bulletins from local and national government documents for revisions to the regulations it has on record. And, it periodically conducts a study on the compliance status for mandatory notifications and reports. 

Complying with Stricter Voluntary Standards for Air and Water Quality

Air Pollution Control
Water Pollution
Sewerage Law
Municipal ordinances
The JAE Group has set its own voluntary standards for air and water quality. Its target values are about 20% below the maximum values allowed by the Japanese laws and regulations listed above.
The JAE Group employs an automatic continuous measurement system to monitor wastewater for the highly toxic chemicals cyanide and hexavalent chromium. (JAE Akishima Plant)

Compliance Record for Fiscal 2017

In fiscal 2017, 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 observed minor but perceptible excesses of 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. 

Response to revisions to the Enforcement Order for Japan’s Waste Management and Public Cleansing Act

After the Minamata Convention on Mercury took effect in August 2017, the revised Enforcement Order for the Waste Management and Public Cleansing Act, which covers the handling of mercury waste, was adopted in October 2017.
 The JAE Group was required to respond to the standard for “Industrial waste of products that use mercury” and has completed its response.

 *Examples of measures that require action 
  • Clarify outsourcing contracts (contracts on October 1, 2017 and later)
  • Ensure that “Waste of products that use mercury” is included in the column on the type of industrial waste and specify the quantity.
  • Take measures such as setting up partitions so that there is no risk of mixing with other materials.

Adherence to the Fluorocarbons Ac

A control process has been established for Japan’s Fluorocarbons Act, and controllers of relevant equipment are fulfilling their obligations under the Act.
  • Regular inspection of relevant equipment (inspections by qualified personnel)
  • Simple inspection of relevant equipment (qualification not required)
  • Maintain inspection records
  • Calculate amount of leakage, and in the event the total amount exceeds a specified figure, report to the competent authorities 

In fiscal 2017, the JAE Group had no sites that leaked more than 1,000 tons of fluorocarbons that required reporting. We will continue to respect the law’s intent and properly control fluorocarbons.