Press Release

January 09, 2007
  • Environmental Policy

Opinions of the Minister of the Environment on the Environmental Impact Statement for the Tokyo Gaikan Expressway

On January 9, 2007, the Ministry of the Environment (MOE) submitted the Minister's opinions on the environmental impact statement for the Tokyo Gaikan Expressway between Unane, Setagaya City, and Ohizumimachi, Nerima City, to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, in accordance with the provisions of the Environmental Impact Assessment Law.

This project is planned to construct a national expressway 16 km in length with 6 lanes, in Tokyo. It will mainly run deep underground. The MOE pointed out the following;

1. Study the application of the latest technology to eliminate nitrogen oxides and particulate matters at ventilating stations, and take measures if needed.

2. Predict air quality and noise around the interchanges, and take measures if needed. Also, conduct follow-up surveys.

3. Monitor the noise level caused by construction machines, and take measures if needed, paying attention to the height of the noise source and noise receptors.

4. Predict the groundwater flow on detailed studies, and choose proper construction methods to conserve the stream of groundwater. Also, conduct follow-up surveys and take additional measures if needed.

5. Identify the state and area of groundwater contamination before the construction, and take measures if needed, in order not to cause any adverse effects. Also, conduct follow-up surveys.

6. If compensation measures are taken for the Yanokama Spring and Forest, which will be lost due to the construction, consult with the residents, take the current state of the spring and forest into consideration, and ensure the recovery of their functions as early as possible.

7. Appropriately reuse the construction surplus soil. Recycle the construction sludge as much as possible.

8. If a street called ''Gaikan-2'' is constructed above this expressway, assess its environmental impacts.

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