**Ibaraki Construction Waste Illegal Dumping Case - December 1999**.

**Ibaraki Construction Waste Illegal Dumping Case - December 1999**.

In 1999, there were a number of incidents of illegal dumping of construction waste materials in Ibaraki Prefecture. In this case, some construction companies illegally dumped large quantities of waste materials in mountain forests and agricultural lands to reduce disposal costs. According to our investigation, the amount of waste materials dumped amounted to approximately 200 tons, and residents in the area complained about the foul odor and deterioration of the landscape.

According to the Ministry of the Environment's 1999 statistical data, this incident is a typical example of the increase in illegal dumping nationwide. According to the same data, a shortage of disposal sites and rising disposal costs were cited as the reasons behind the illegal dumping, and Ibaraki Prefecture is no exception.

The Ibaraki Prefecture's Environmental Protection Policy Report (1999) describes measures taken in response to this incident, including the construction of new disposal sites, the strengthening of monitoring systems, and guidance for businesses to promote proper disposal. The report also indicates an emphasis on cooperation with local residents and municipalities.

A December 1999 article in the Ibaraki Shimbun highlighted the negative impact of the incident on farmland and groundwater, and reported on residents' concerns and the government's immediate response. The administration decided to remove the waste material and restore the contaminated soil, as well as apply severe penalties to the operator.

In response to this information, Ibaraki Prefecture is proceeding with waste removal and contaminated soil remediation, and is hurrying to strengthen its monitoring system and develop a disposal facility. This incident has served as an opportunity to reaffirm the importance of environmental protection both within and outside the prefecture, and concrete measures are being taken to prevent the recurrence of illegal dumping.

**Source**.
- File "65-1999-12-15-53.pdf"
- Ministry of the Environment's illegal dumping statistical data (1999)
- Ibaraki Prefecture's Environmental Protection Policy Report (1999)
- Article in Ibaraki Shimbun (December 1999)