Flames of Disposal, Shadows of the Law - Environmental Crime Increases in First Half of 1999

Flames of Disposal, Shadows of the Law - Environmental Crime Increases in First Half of 1999

In the first half of 1999 (January-June), environmental crimes in the country reached 828 cases, up 23% from the same period last year. In particular, illegal dumping of industrial waste and open burning increased markedly, prompting municipalities and environmental organizations to increase their vigilance.

Surge in Illegal Dumping of Industrial Waste
The number of illegal dumping cases uncovered reached 57, showing an increase over the previous year. In particular, there were many cases of people illegally bringing waste from urban areas to rural areas. A large amount of construction waste was found to have been illegally dumped in Gunma and Ibaraki prefectures. Local governments are stepping up their surveillance and are working to uncover violators.

Increase in Wildland Firefighting
Wildland burning incidents increased by 87.5% year-on-year, particularly the improper incineration of plastic waste and household appliances. This is thought to be due to an increase in illegal incineration by businesses trying to cut costs, as regulations on incineration facilities were tightened under the Law Concerning Special Measures against Dioxins, which came into effect in 1997. In Saitama and Shizuoka prefectures, cases of illegal incineration at former factory sites have been uncovered, and administrative crackdowns have been stepped up.

Response by Local Governments and the Government
The Environmental Agency (now the Ministry of the Environment) has strengthened its plan to promote measures against environmental crimes and has announced a policy to deal with the increase in the number of cases of illegal incineration. In order to strengthen cooperation with the National Police Agency, the agency is promoting the installation of surveillance cameras and the digitization of waste management in order to strengthen the crackdown on illegal dumping and illegal incineration. Furthermore, to encourage companies to strengthen environmental compliance, penalties are being revised and environmental laws and regulations are being made more widely known.

While the crackdown on environmental crimes was strengthened in 1999, it was also a year in which illegal activities by businesses unable to adapt to new regulations became apparent. There is a need to raise awareness of legal compliance among businesses and to further strengthen the monitoring system.

Related Information
- Increase in Environmental Crimes: In the first half of 1999, 828 cases were uncovered, up 23% from the same period last year. Illegal dumping of industrial waste and open burning increased sharply.
- Illegal dumping problem: A large number of wastes were brought from urban areas to rural areas. Illegal dumping of construction waste became a problem in Gunma and Ibaraki prefectures.
- Increase in wild landfires: 87.5% increase over the same period of the previous year. After the enforcement of the Law Concerning Special Measures against Dioxins, illegal incineration for the purpose of cost reduction increased.
- Government response: The Environmental Agency (now the Ministry of the Environment) strengthened surveillance in cooperation with the National Police Agency. Municipalities are responding with surveillance cameras and digital management.

Environmental crimes affect not only the environment but also the sustainability of society as a whole. Appropriate law enforcement and corporate awareness are required.