Illegal dumping of waste in Shibukawa City, Gunma Prefecture and Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture - March 2003

Illegal dumping of waste in Shibukawa City, Gunma Prefecture and Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture - March 2003

In March 2003, illegal dumping of waste in Shibukawa City, Gunma Prefecture and Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture was uncovered, seriously affecting the local ecosystem. Illegal dumping of waste containing lead, cadmium, PCBs, and other toxic substances in the vicinity of a tributary of the Tone River in Shibukawa City and the Yoshida River in Takayama City resulted in water pollution and mass fish kills. The Ministry of the Environment and the police are investigating the companies involved and strengthening their monitoring system. Local governments are taking action, including the imposition of stricter penalties.