In 1984, the Law Concerning Special Measures
for Protection of Lake Water Quality was adopted to control water pollution in
lakes and ponds. This law required the overall and deliberate implementation of
projects to contribute to the protection of water quality. This included construction
of sewage systems, and strict regulations of various pollution : sources, for
designated lakes and ponds. This law initiated systematic efforts against urban
pollution by domestic sources. The following summarizes the law.
1.The national
government prepares the Basic Policy for Conservation of Lake Water Quality, which
describes the basic strategy for the protection of water quality in lakes and
ponds.
2. The Prime Minister designates certain lakes and ponds, where extensive
measures should be taken to protect water quality, In addition, he shall also
designate areas that would influence water quality degradation in these designated
lakes and ponds.
3. On the basis of the Basic Policy for Conservation of
Lake Water Quality, governors prepare a Plan for Conservation of Lake Water Quality
for each of the designated lakes and ponds. The plan describes the policy for
protection of water quality and projects, such as construction of sewage systems
that will contribute to the protection of water quality for the lakes.
4.
The following special measures are taken to protect water quality in the designated
lakes and ponds.
The first is the regulation of effluents from factories
and business establishments in the designated area. In addition to conventional
regulations on the concentration of pollutants, governors can set regulatory standards
for the pollution load in the industrial effluents. When he recognizes that an
effluent from new or expanded establishments specified by the Water Quality Control
Law does not comply with these regulatory standards, he can issue an order so
that necessary measures are taken for improvement.
The second is the regulation
of effluents from those facilities that are not the specified facilities, but
regarded in same manner. These include facilities permitted by cabinet orders
to discharge wastewater to lakes and ponds. Permitted facilities include private
sewage treatment tanks smaller than a certain size. Because of their large numbers
they (collectively) are regarded as equivalent to the specified facilities, under
the Water Quality Control Law, and are subject to the provisions of this law.
The third is the requirement for notification of the establishment of designated
facilities. This includes, for example, feed lots smaller than a certain size.
If a governor recognizes that these facilities do not comply with the standards,
say for proper construction, he can recommend improvement and also order the improvement.
Forth is the reduction of pollution loads. Measures are taken to reduce total
pollution loads to designated lakes and ponds, where effluent standards alone,
due to the concentration of industries and human population in the lake basin
cannot achieve water quality standards.
Fifth is the requirement for protection
of the natural environment around lakes. This includes preservation of green areas
to serve as buffers to help protect water quality in designated lakes and ponds.
5. In addition to the above, the law provides, if appropriate, the guidance and
assistance required for the protection of water quality in lakes and ponds, and
cooperation among the relevant administrative organizations.