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Press Release

FY 2003 Survey on the Enforcement Status of the Offensive Odor Control Law

December 21, 2004

The Ministry of the Environment compiled a report on status of environmental pollution caused by offensive odor and enforcement status of the Offensive Odor Control Law in FY 2003, based on reporting by local governments.

1.Situation of environmental pollution caused by offensive odor

Complaints on offensive odor totaled 24,587 in FY 2003, exceeding an all time high record of FY 2001 (23,776 cases). (Fig.1) While complaints on service industries decreased, complaints related to outdoor incineration made an all time high record, accounting for 10,902 cases. (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, comprising approximately 57.2% of the total number of municipalities across Japan as of March 31, 2004.

Within designated areas, the number of on-site inspections conducted under this Law was 7,691 cases (7,037 in FY 2002), 1,063 reports submission were demanded (871 in FY 2002), and measurement was conducted in 243 cases (220 in FY 2002). The results of the measurement exceeded the regulatory standard in 70 cases (68 in FY 2002): administrative warnings to redress the situation were issued to 4 cases (9 in FY 2001), and administrative order to redress the situation was not issued (1 case in FY 2001). Administrative guidance was conducted in 11,278 cases (10, 968 in 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 2,224 as of March 31 2004.


[LINK]
* Offensive Odor Control Law
* Fig. 1 Changes in Number of Complaints on Offensive Odor
* Fig. 2 Breakdown of Complaints on Offensive Odor by Sources
* Fig. 3 Changes in Number of Complaints on Offensive Odor by Sources
* Table 1 Administrative Measures Taken under the Offensive Odor Control Law
* Offensive Odor Control Law in Japan

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