Japan's Water Pollution Control Law: Who Passed It?

Japan's Water Pollution Control Law was passed in 1970 and amended in 1995. The law aims to prevent water pollution in public water areas, including rivers, lakes, ports, and coastal seas, by regulating the discharge of effluent from factories and business establishments. It also promotes measures to address domestic effluents and protect human health and the environment. The law includes definitions for terms such as Specified Facilities, Oil Storage Facilities, and Effluent, and outlines the responsibilities of proprietors of factories or establishments in cases of water pollution. Japan's Water Pollution Control Law is part of the country's broader environmental policies, which include the Basic Environment Law, the Air Pollution Control Act, and the Automobile NOx/PM Act. These laws and regulations aim to protect public health, conserve the environment, and promote sustainable practices.

The Water Pollution Control Law

The law defines "Specified Facilities" as those that discharge polluted water or wastewater containing substances that may cause harmful damage to human health or the living environment. It also includes "Oil Storage Facilities," which store heavy oils or treat oil-containing water. The law sets forth stipulations regarding the responsibilities of the proprietors of these factories or establishments to compensate for any damage caused by their polluted water or wastewater.

The National Government, under the law, is responsible for promoting studies and research on the treatment of polluted water and its effects on human health and the environment. They also provide aid and technical advice to local governments to facilitate the control and treatment of water pollution.

Preventing pollution in public water areas

Japan's Water Pollution Control Law, established in 1970 and amended in 1995, aims to prevent water pollution in public water areas. The law defines "public water areas" as water areas of public use, including rivers, lakes, ports, harbors, and coastal seas.

To prevent water pollution in these public water areas, the law regulates the discharge of effluent from factories and business establishments. This includes setting standards for the level of pollution allowed in effluent and requiring those discharging effluent to measure, record, and report the level of pollution to the relevant authorities. The law also promotes measures to address domestic effluents and protect the nation's health and conserve the human environment.

The Water Pollution Control Law also establishes the responsibilities of factory and establishment proprietors to compensate for any damage caused by polluted water or wastewater discharged from their facilities. Prefectural governors play a crucial role in enforcing these regulations, with the power to order improvements or suspensions of activities that are suspected of causing water pollution.

Additionally, Japan's Basic Environment Law, established in 1993, provides a broader framework for environmental protection, including water quality. It outlines measures to regulate facilities that discharge polluted water and effluent, ensuring compliance with Environmental Quality Standards. The Basic Environment Plan, approved in 1994, further emphasizes the importance of environment policy and sets long-term objectives for conservation and international cooperation.

To summarize, Japan's Water Pollution Control Law and Basic Environment Law, along with supporting regulations and plans, work together to prevent pollution in public water areas. These laws focus on regulating effluent discharge, setting standards, and promoting conservation to protect human health and the environment.

The role of the Ministry of the Environment

The Ministry of the Environment (環境省, Kankyō-shō) is a Cabinet-level ministry of the government of Japan, responsible for global environmental conservation, pollution control, and nature conservation. The ministry was formed in 2001 from the sub-cabinet level Environmental Agency, which was established in 1971. The Minister of the Environment is a member of the Cabinet of Japan and is chosen by the Prime Minister, usually from among the members of the Diet.

The Ministry of the Environment plays a crucial role in Japan's efforts to address water pollution and promote environmental conservation. It is responsible for implementing and enforcing the Water Pollution Control Law, which aims to prevent the pollution of public water areas, including rivers, lakes, ports, and coastal seas. The law regulates the discharge of effluent from factories and establishments, holding them accountable for any damage caused to human health and the living environment.

The ministry has the authority to set standards for effluent discharge and to monitor and enforce compliance with these standards. For instance, the Water Pollution Control Law mandates that the discharge of polluted water or wastewater containing harmful substances, such as cadmium, must be regulated to protect human health and the environment. In cases of non-compliance, the ministry can order the responsible parties to improve their treatment processes or suspend their operations.

Additionally, the Ministry of the Environment is tasked with promoting public awareness and education about water pollution issues. It also collaborates with local governments and organizations to address water pollution concerns, providing guidance and support for local initiatives.

Furthermore, the ministry has taken a proactive approach to energy conservation and climate change mitigation. For example, following the Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami in 2011, the ministry launched the Super Cool Biz campaign to encourage workers to reduce their energy consumption by dressing appropriately for the office yet comfortably for the summer heat. This initiative not only helped reduce electricity usage but also fostered a cultural shift in traditional office attire expectations.

The Basic Environment Law

• The current generation should enjoy the benefits of the environment, and it should also be preserved for future generations.
• A sustainable society should be established, minimising environmental impacts from human activities.
• Japan should actively contribute to global environmental conservation efforts through international cooperation.

The law also defines the responsibilities of various actors in society, including the central government, local governments, corporations, and individuals. It promotes fair burden-sharing and cooperation among these entities to protect the environment. Additionally, it prescribes policy instruments for domestic and global environmental protection, going beyond traditional regulatory measures for pollution control and nature protection.

Based on the Basic Environment Law, the Cabinet formulated the Basic Environment Plan in December 1994. This plan provides a comprehensive roadmap for Japan's environmental policies, with a focus on the early 21st century. It identifies four long-term objectives: cycle, harmonious coexistence, participation, and international activities. The Central Environment Council plays a crucial role in monitoring the implementation of the Basic Environment Plan, holding public hearings, and reflecting citizens' views in its reports to the national government.

The Water Pollution Prevention Act

The Water Pollution Control Law, also known as the Water Pollution Prevention Act, was passed in Japan in 1970 with the latest amendment made in 1995. The law aims to prevent the pollution of water in public water areas, including rivers, lakes, ports, and coastal seas, by regulating the discharge of effluent from factories and business establishments.

The Act gives local governments the authority to control matters concerning the pollution condition of water, excluding pollution due to toxic substances. It also establishes special regulations for the organization and operation of the Prefectural Council on Environmental Pollution Control, which is responsible for implementing the duties defined in the law. The Prefectural governors play a crucial role in enforcing the Act by ordering the improvement or suspension of specified facilities that are suspected of discharging non-compliant effluent.

The Act further emphasizes the role of the Minister of the Environment in establishing, revising, or abolishing cabinet orders related to water areas and emission reduction policies. The Minister must consult with relevant prefectural governors and the Conference on Environmental Pollution Control when making such decisions.

The National Government, under the Act, is responsible for promoting studies and research on the treatment of polluted water, as well as understanding its effects on human health and the environment. This includes providing aid and technical advice to local governments in managing and improving the treatment of polluted water.

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