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Press Release

FY 2002 Survey on the Enforcement Status of the Offensive Odor Control Law

December 18, 2003

The Ministry of the Environment compiled a report on status of environmental pollution caused by offensive odor and enforcement of the Offensive Odor Control Law in FY 2002, based on reporting by local governments.

1. Situation of environmental pollution caused by offensive odor

Complaints on offensive odor totaled 23,519 in FY 2002, representing the second largest in number to that of FY 2001 (Fig.1). While complaints on service industries and private residences decreased, complaints related to outdoor incineration accounted for 9,577 cases, which is still high in number (Figs.2 and 3).

2. Status of enforcement of the Offensive Odor Control Law

The total number of municipalities having designated areas under the Offensive Odor Control Law was 1,804 (an increase of 14 towns and villages), comprising approximately 55.8% of the total number of municipalities across Japan as of March 31, 2003.

Within designated areas, the number of on-site inspections conducted under this Law was 7,037 cases (versus 6,844 in FY 2001), 871 reports were submitted (versus 772 in FY 2001), and measurement was conducted in 220 cases (versus 163 cases in FY 2001). Also, in 68 cases the results of the measurement exceeded the regulatory standard, out of which 9 cases were issued administrative warnings to redress the situation (versus 7 in FY 2001). One case was issued administrative order to redress the situation (versus none in FY 2001). Administrative guidance was conducted in 10, 968 cases (same as FY 2001) (Table 1).

3. Current number of olfactory measurement operator

Number of olfactory measurement operator has been increasing year by year and the number of people who are certified as an olfactory measurement operator was 2,081 as of March 31 2003.


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