November 29, 2005
The Ministry of the Environment compiled a report on status of environmental pollution caused by offensive odors and the enforcement status of the Offensive Odor Control Law in FY 2004 based on reports submitted by local governments.
| 1. | State of environmental pollution caused by offensive odors |
Complaints about offensive odors totaled 19,657 in FY 2004, showing a decrease for the first time in past five years (Fig. 1). While complaints about outdoor incineration decreased significantly, complaints related to factories and service industries increased (Fig. 2).
| 2. | Enforcement status of the Offensive Odor Control Law |
The number of municipalities having areas designated under the Offensive Odor Control Law was 1,606, comprising approximately 63.1% (57.2% in FY 2003) of the total number of municipalities throughout Japan as of March 31, 2005.
Within designated areas, the number of on-site inspections conducted under the Offensive Odor Control Law was 4,936 cases (7,691 in FY 2003), 1,005 report submissions were demanded (1,063 in FY 2003), and measurement was conducted in 198 cases (243 in FY 2003). The results of the measurements showed that 67 cases exceeded the regulatory standard (70 cases in FY 2003); but neither recommendation for improvement (4 in FY 2003) nor order for improvement (0 cases in FY 2003) was issued. Administrative guidance was given to 6,933 cases (11,278 in FY 2003) (Table 1).
| 3. | Current number of olfactory measurement operators |
The number of olfactory measurement operators has been increasing yearly and the number of people who are certified as an operator was 2,289 as of March 31, 2005 (2,224 in FY 2003).
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