Illegal Dumping of Steel Slag in Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture - January 2011

Illegal Dumping of Steel Slag in Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture - January 2011
Approximately 150 tons of waste containing steel slag were found to have been illegally dumped in Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture. These were left on vacant lots and landfill sites in the suburbs of the city, and lead and cadmium were detected in some of the slag at levels more than five times the standard values, and arsenic at levels three times the standard values. The radius of the contaminated area is approximately 2 kilometers, and there are concerns about health hazards to approximately 600 households living in the area.

As an emergency measure, Fukuoka City conducted a soil and groundwater contamination survey and has so far recovered approximately 80 tons of slag. It is estimated that approximately 120 million yen will be required to dispose of the remaining 70 tons of waste. One contractor involved in the illegal dumping was caught and fined 50 million yen.

As a measure to prevent recurrence, the city has installed 20 surveillance cameras in areas where illegal dumping frequently occurs and distributed 10,000 educational posters. In addition, waste management seminars are held three times a year for local businesses. As a result, the number of illegal dumping cases has decreased by approximately 30% from the previous year. This problem demonstrates the need to strengthen waste management and raise awareness of environmental protection among local residents.