### Illegal dumping of industrial waste in Nagano Prefecture - 1999

### Illegal dumping of industrial waste in Nagano Prefecture - 1999

The illegal dumping of industrial waste uncovered in 1999 occurred in mountain forests and apple orchards in Sango Village (now Azumino City) and Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture. In these incidents, companies whose business was waste disposal illegally dumped industrial waste, including construction waste and medical waste, without proper treatment. In particular, some of the waste contained chemical substances, raising concerns about environmental pollution and health hazards to residents.

The problem was uncovered after complaints from local residents and an investigation by an environmental protection group. After receiving reports of strange odors from the waste and changes in the landscape, the government conducted an on-site investigation. As a result, it was revealed that a large amount of waste had been illegally dumped, and the parties involved were charged with violating the Waste Disposal and Public Cleansing Law.

The incident also revealed that some of the waste had been illegally exported to the Philippines under the false pretense of being recycled waste paper. In response to protests from the Philippine government, the Japanese government was forced to collect the waste and properly dispose of it. This international problem raised the issue of inadequacies in Japan's domestic waste disposal monitoring system and legal system.

The government issued an order to remove the dumped waste, but the removal required a large amount of money, and debate over the burden of the cost continued. This incident prompted the government to revise the law and strengthen the monitoring system to ensure proper waste disposal, as well as to reaffirm the importance of waste disposal and recycling among businesses and citizens.

### Historical Background and Impact

This incident served as an opportunity to draw attention to the issue of industrial waste both domestically and internationally, and prompted improvements in Japan's waste treatment system. At the same time, it also served as an opportunity to raise awareness of environmental issues, and the importance of proper waste disposal was shared throughout society.

This incident in Nagano Prefecture not only had a serious impact on the living environment of local residents, but also attracted attention as an international environmental issue, and has been recorded as an important case that highlighted the challenges Japan faces in waste disposal.