Environmental Report 2020

Environmental Risk Management

Emergency Response

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: 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).

Running underground fuel oil pipes in a U-shaped channel (double-walling)

Pipes from an underground tank that had been buried have been raised above ground

Upgrading equipment to clean emissions

Additional coating on wastewater cleaning process tower's retainer walls

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 2019
　In fiscal 2019, 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 BOD values (standard value of less than 300 mg/L), the standard value for amount of normal hexane extract (standard value of 30 mg/L or less) 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.

・Address the revised CFC emissions control law
　Although the CFC emissions control law was revised in 2015, this was the third revision as the CFC recovery rate was still insufficient, and it took effect in April 2020.
　The main revisions were to strengthen penalties, inspect facilities, and extend the retention period for CFC recovery records.
　Based on this revision, we maintained internal rules and systems, publicized the revised contents, and continue to take appropriate measures based on these laws.