December 18, 2003
For FY2002, the Ministry of the Environment compiled a report on vibration-related complaints and the status of enforcement of the Vibration Regulation Law, based on reporting by local governments. An overview of the report can be found below.
| 1. | Situation with regard to vibration-related complaints |
Vibration-related complaints totaled 2,614 in FY2002 (versus 2,480 in FY2001), representing an increase of 134 complaints (an approx. 5.4% increase) over the previous year (see Fig. 1). A breakdown of these complaints according to the vibration source shows that construction projects accounted for 1,561 complaints (59.7% of the total), factories and business establishments for 651 complaints (24.9%) and road traffic 257 (9.8%).
While the number of complaints related to factories and industry decreased by 33 against the previous year, those related to construction increased by 146 (Figs. 2 and 3).
| 2. | Status of enforcement of the Vibration Regulation Law |
As of March 31, 2003, the total number of municipalities having designated areas under the Vibration Regulation Law was 1,711 (an increase of 9 towns and 1 village), comprising approximately 52.9% of the total number of municipalities across Japan.
The total number of factories and business establishments registered under the Vibration Regulation Law and subject to vibration control in accordance with the law (specified factories, etc.) was 120,916 as of March 31, 2003 (versus 122,078 in FY2001) (Table 1). The number of on-site inspections of these specified factories conducted under this law was 129 (versus 142 in FY2001). Administrative guidance was also conducted in 136 cases (versus 158 in FY2001) (Table 2).
The total number of construction projects registered under the Vibration Regulation Law and subject to vibration control in accordance with the law (specified construction projects) was 28,139 (versus 27,270 in FY2001) (Table 3). The number of on-site inspections of these specified construction projects conducted under this Law was 457 (versus 425 in FY2001). Administrative guidance was also conducted in 495 cases (versus 471 in FY2001) (Table 4).
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