Opinions of the Minister of the Environment on the Environmental Impact Statement for the Saga-Fukutomi Road

On 23rd of March, 2006, the Ministry of the Environment (MOE) submitted the Minister's opinions on the environmental impact statement for the Saga-Fukutomi Road, Route 444, to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, in accordance with the provisions of the Environmental Impact Assessment Law.

This project involves construction of a 10 km long 4 lane national road in Saga Prefecture. The MOE pointed out the following issues concerning this project and asked that action be taken to:

1. Conduct detailed investigations concerning endangered fishes and take appropriate measures to avoid harming their habitat.
2. Grasp the habitats of ducks and shorebirds and avoid changes to these habitats as much as possible. Determine the appropriate period and methods for the road's construction, taking into consideration the habitat of migratory birds.
3. Conduct the follow-up surveys when provisional services are concretely planned, and take appropriate measures if necessary.

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