Press Release

April 28, 2006
  • Environmental Policy

Opinions of the Minister of the Environment on the Environmental Impact Statement for the Haneda Airport Re-Expansion Project

On 28th of April, 2006, the Ministry of the Environment (MOE) submitted the Minister's opinions on the environmental impact statement for the Haneda Airport Re-expansion Project in Tokyo, to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, in accordance with the provisions of the Environmental Impact Assessment Law.

This project involves the construction of a 2,500 meter runway and a new international terminal. The MOE commented on the following four issues of this project:

1. Water quality and ecosystems
2. Noise created by airplanes
3. Extraction and transport of mountain sand
4. Greenhouse gas (CO2) emission

In regard to the issue of water quality and ecosystems, the MOE emphasized that the project should:

(1) Conduct surveys of water quality, sediments, landscape, aquatic life, birds, etc. when needed, according to the progress of this project. Thoroughly analyze the survey results, and implement adequate measures if necessary. These actions are required because predicted effects of this project on the environment of the Tama River estuary and Tokyo Bay show some uncertainty.

(2) When conducting these surveys, consider carrying out thorough investigation of the Tama River estuary including the tidelands, determining the observation spots with consideration given to the overall environment of the Tokyo Bay, etc.

(3) Study the effects of the shaded environment under large piers on ecosystems, and take measures if necessary.

(4) Study necessary environment protection measures, with consideration given to those carried out outside the project area as well. Carry out those measures in cooperation with concerned organizations so that they will contribute to the improvement of the environment of the Tokyo Bay.

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