Rigging of Dioxin Emissions - September 1999

Rigging of Dioxin Emissions - September 1999

In 1999, dioxin emission data at incineration facilities in Yokohama, Osaka, and Kawasaki were found to be rigged. At one facility, concentrations exceeding 10 nanograms, more than 100 times the standard value of 0.1 nanograms, were recorded, resulting in serious air and soil contamination in the surrounding area. In the background was the burden of facility renewal costs due to tightened regulations in 1997. The Ministry of the Environment surveyed approximately 120 facilities nationwide and found violations of the standard in 15% of them. In particular, a facility in Kawasaki City was found to have neglected to replace filters.

As a countermeasure, high-temperature incineration technology developed by Ebara Corporation and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries was introduced, reducing emissions by up to 90% or more. In addition, Kawasaki Heavy Industries' real-time emission monitoring system was adopted to ensure data transparency and prevent fraud. This incident reaffirmed the importance of environmental technology and stricter regulations, and facilitated improvements in the waste treatment system.