### History of PCB Waste Treatment Project in Hibikinada, Kitakyushu City

### History of PCB Waste Treatment Project in Hibikinada, Kitakyushu City

**Project Initiation (2001-2004)**
In November 2001, a PCB (polychlorinated biphenyl) waste treatment project was planned in the Hibikinada area of Kitakyushu City by the Environmental Restoration and Conservation Agency. The project was approved by the Ministry of the Environment. PCB, used in transformers and capacitors, posed significant long-term environmental risks. The project employed advanced technologies, including solvent washing, vacuum thermal decomposition for preprocessing, and dechlorination decomposition for liquid processing. The facility began operations in 2004, with a 12-year timeline to complete the treatment.

**Early Achievements (2004-2010)**
The facility started operations as planned, processing PCB waste brought in from Kyushu and Kansai. During this period, the Hibikinada facility was recognized as a model case meeting safety standards, becoming a central hub for PCB treatment in Japan.

**Deadline Extensions (2010-2024)**
Initially, the project aimed to complete treatment by the end of FY2014. However, newly discovered PCB waste and additional waste from excavation surveys necessitated two deadline extensions. By March 2019, the treatment of approximately 62000 units of planned targets, including transformers and capacitors, was completed. In 2021, Kitakyushu City decided to continue the project after receiving a request from the national government.

**End of Operations and Dismantling (2024 onwards)**
On March 31, 2024, the JESCO Kitakyushu facility ceased operations. It processed approximately 10000 tons of PCB waste, gaining recognition domestically and internationally as a successful case study in PCB treatment. The dismantling and removal of the facility are underway, with completion targeted around FY2029. Post-dismantling, soil contamination surveys and safety confirmations will be conducted.

**Low-Concentration PCB Waste Treatment (Ongoing)**
The treatment of low-concentration PCB waste is being handled by 31 certified operators across Japan, including the Tobata area of Kitakyushu City. This treatment aims to be completed by FY2026. However, the volume of contaminated transformers remaining from production processes is vast, and further efforts are required to meet the treatment deadline.

**Contribution to Environmental Conservation**
Over two decades, the PCB treatment project in Hibikinada, Kitakyushu City, has played a crucial role in Japan's environmental conservation. The project not only ensured the safe and reliable treatment of hazardous waste but also contributed to mitigating future environmental risks through collaboration with local residents and businesses.