Environmental Report 2014
Reducing Environmental Risks
Prevention of Soil and Groundwater Pollution
The discovery of soil and groundwater contaminated with hazardous substances is on the rise in Japan due to the redevelopment of former plant sites and voluntary surveys. Since countermeasures after contamination has already occurred take a vast amount of time and money, this is gaining recognition every year as a massive social problem, and related laws and regulations are being put in place.Amid these developments, Japan's Water Quality Pollution Control Act was amended in 1989 and 1996 in an effort to strengthen measures against groundwater pollution, and in 2002, the Soil Contamination Countermeasures Act was issued. Then, in June 2011, the Water Quality Pollution Control Act was amended, strengthening regulations for preventing contamination of ground water. The requirements of businesses that handle harmful substances and facilities that cause contamination are becoming more stringent every year.
The JAE Group has been taking measures to prevent contamination by such means as double-walling underground storage facilities and pipes. Since fiscal 2010, the Group has been assessing the risk of leakage or permeation the soil from facilities that hold toxic substances or are related to fuel oil. Underground pipes for toxic substances or fuel oil that are judged to be at high risk are scheduled to be completely removed (positioned above ground) starting in fiscal 2014. By placing pipes related to toxic substances above ground, visual and other types of inspections will become easier, and this will also facilitate compliance with the revised Water Pollution Control Law.
In addition, starting in fiscal 2013, the Group will commence inspections with regard to aging and the useful lifespan of environment-related equipment, and is proceeding with analysis of the proper intervals between repairs.
Symbol of the Group's Environmental Policies
Significance of the Environmental Report
Environmental Performance
Environmental Management
- JAE Group Environmental Policy
- Implementation Status of the Environmental Management System
- Environmental Audits
- Environmental Education
- Compliance with Environmental Regulations
Environmental Accounting
Engaging with Society: Group Sites