14-Marine Pollution by Industrial Wastewater-September 1995

Marine pollution by industrial wastewater became a particularly serious issue during Japan's period of rapid economic growth (1950s to 1970s). During this time, Japan underwent rapid industrialization, but factory wastewater discharged into surrounding rivers and seas led to severe environmental problems.

1. Notable Case: Pollution of Urayasu Fishing Grounds
In 1958, the fishing grounds in Urayasu, Chiba Prefecture, were polluted by wastewater from Honshu Paper's Edogawa plant. The wastewater contained harmful chemicals, devastating the fishing grounds. Angered by the situation, fishermen stormed the factory in a direct protest. This incident highlighted the severity of marine pollution caused by industrial wastewater and received widespread media coverage.

2. Enactment of the Water Pollution Control Law and Factory Wastewater Regulation Law
The Urayasu incident prompted the Japanese government to recognize the need for legal measures to protect the environment. In response, the Water Pollution Control Law and the Factory Wastewater Regulation Law were enacted in 1958, setting standards for regulating factory wastewater to prevent environmental pollution.

However, these regulations did not immediately take effect, as the management and monitoring systems were not fully established. As a result, the effectiveness of these laws was initially limited, and marine pollution around industrial zones and major cities remained a significant problem, continuing to affect the fishing industry.

3. Impact of Pollution
The harmful substances in industrial wastewater, including heavy metals, chemicals, and oil, had severe impacts on marine ecosystems. These pollutants affected marine life, and as a result, people who consumed fish from the contaminated areas experienced health problems. Marine pollution also dealt a significant blow to the economies of communities dependent on fishing.

4. Long-term Effects and Current Situation
The impact of marine pollution caused by industrial wastewater persisted for a long time. However, with efforts by the government, local authorities, and companies, the situation improved from the 1970s onward as environmental awareness grew. Today, strict environmental regulations and technological advancements have significantly reduced the occurrence of marine pollution from industrial wastewater.

Nevertheless, environmental issues continue to exist, particularly concerns about new pollution from microplastics and chemicals. Ongoing efforts to strengthen environmental protection are necessary, and balancing industrial activities with environmental conservation remains a critical challenge.