Press Release

June 27, 2008
  • Environmental Policy

The Minister of the Environment's Opinions on the Environmental Impact Statement for the Urban Planning Road, Itakohokota-line.

On June 27, 2008, the Ministry of the Environment (MOE) submitted the Minister's opinions on the environmental impact statement for the Urban Planning Road, Itakohokota-line, to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, in accordance with the provisions of the Environmental Impact Assessment Law.

As the project implementation area includes Yatsuda (paddy fields in ravines) and the trees surrounding them, where rare species of birds of pray including the goshawk and the grey-faced buzzard, as well as other species of animals such as the Japanese eight-barbel loach, Japanese rice fish and so on live, MOE suggested the following points:

1. For the goshawk and grey-faced buzzard,
[1] Take appropriate measures including discontinuing construction if the results of surveys on their habitats indicate construction has negative impacts on their breeding.

[2] Fully consider the location and timing of alternative nests as early as possible before construction in order to set up them appropriately. Conduct follow-up surveys and take additional appropriate measures when needed.

2. For the Japanese eight-barbel loach and Japanese rice fish,
[1] Fully consider the location, structure and scale of bridges and underground waterways set up around waterways and take measures to avoid or reduce their impact as much as possible.

[2] Conduct surveys on the quality and quantity of the water and their habitats in waterways before, in the middle of and after the construction, taking appropriate measure as needed.


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