Nagano Urges JR Central to Strengthen Environmental Measures
Nagano Prefecture has urged JR Central to enhance its environmental measures regarding the planned use of "regulated soil" containing heavy metals such as arsenic in the foundation work for the Dosogawa Bridge, part of the Linear Chuo Shinkansen project near Iida City. On January 27, the prefecture issued a formal "advice" notice to JR Central, requesting additional measures to mitigate potential impacts on local communities and the natural environment. In response to public opposition to the use of such soil, the prefecture has called for the inclusion of additional data, such as water quality monitoring results, in the company’s environmental preservation plan, along with further protective actions. The controversy underscores growing concerns over balancing infrastructure development with environmental and public health safeguards.
Info based on https://www.shinmai.co.jp/news/article/ ... 5012800107 Accessed 2025-01-28
[JP] Nagano Urges JR Central to Strengthen Environmental Measures
-
latestnews
- Posts: 298
- Joined: 1. Oct 2021, 13:44
-
latestnews
- Posts: 298
- Joined: 1. Oct 2021, 13:44
[JP] Nagano Urges JR Central to Strengthen Environmental Measures
Residents Protest Nagano Prefecture's Advisory on Contaminated Soil for Shinkansen Station Construction
On February 14, a local resident group in Iida City, Nagano Prefecture, protested a January advisory issued by the prefecture regarding the environmental preservation plan for the construction of a new station for the Linear Chuo Shinkansen. The protest centered around the use of contaminated soil, which is planned to be used as filling material for bridge foundations. The group criticized the prefecture for accepting this plan despite being aware of the risks, particularly concerning the soil's potential heavy metal content. The area around the construction site includes residential homes and rice fields, leading the residents to demand that the soil not be used.
.
.
Photo: https://www.msn.com/ja-jp/news/national ... r-AA1z5EZP Accessed 2025-02-15
In response, the prefecture, after consulting with experts, the city of Iida, and local residents, issued its advisory on January 27. While the prefecture noted that the use of locally sourced soil was preferred, it outlined 11 safety measures to prevent contamination, including water quality monitoring and strict controls on soil dispersal.
The residents' group also criticized a statement in the advisory that the bridge foundations had been structurally reviewed and deemed safe. They argued that this statement could be interpreted as the prefecture endorsing the plan. Following the protest, the group requested a meeting with the prefecture, but this was rejected, as the advisory was considered directed solely at the project’s operator. The prefecture’s Environmental Policy Department responded by acknowledging the protest but indicated it would address concerns on a case-by-case basis.
Info based on: https://www.msn.com/ja-jp/news/national ... r-AA1z5EZP Accessed 2025-02-15
On February 14, a local resident group in Iida City, Nagano Prefecture, protested a January advisory issued by the prefecture regarding the environmental preservation plan for the construction of a new station for the Linear Chuo Shinkansen. The protest centered around the use of contaminated soil, which is planned to be used as filling material for bridge foundations. The group criticized the prefecture for accepting this plan despite being aware of the risks, particularly concerning the soil's potential heavy metal content. The area around the construction site includes residential homes and rice fields, leading the residents to demand that the soil not be used.
.
- 2025-02-15_Nagano_
Photo: https://www.msn.com/ja-jp/news/national ... r-AA1z5EZP Accessed 2025-02-15
In response, the prefecture, after consulting with experts, the city of Iida, and local residents, issued its advisory on January 27. While the prefecture noted that the use of locally sourced soil was preferred, it outlined 11 safety measures to prevent contamination, including water quality monitoring and strict controls on soil dispersal.
The residents' group also criticized a statement in the advisory that the bridge foundations had been structurally reviewed and deemed safe. They argued that this statement could be interpreted as the prefecture endorsing the plan. Following the protest, the group requested a meeting with the prefecture, but this was rejected, as the advisory was considered directed solely at the project’s operator. The prefecture’s Environmental Policy Department responded by acknowledging the protest but indicated it would address concerns on a case-by-case basis.
Info based on: https://www.msn.com/ja-jp/news/national ... r-AA1z5EZP Accessed 2025-02-15
-
latestnews
- Posts: 298
- Joined: 1. Oct 2021, 13:44
[JP] JR Central to Use Arsenic-Containing Soil for Linear Maglev Construction
JR Central to Use Arsenic-Containing Soil for Linear Shinkansen Construction Amid Resident Concerns in Nagano
At a community meeting held on April 23, 2025, JR Central (JR Tokai) announced its plan to use soil containing arsenic ("special measures soil") as construction material for bridge piers at the "Nagano Prefecture Station" (Iida City) on the Linear Chuo Shinkansen line. About 40 residents attended the meeting at the Kamisato Community Center in Iida. JR Central stated that transportation of the soil would begin in early June and that it would take about two to three months to fill one pier. Residents voiced strong concerns about the potential contamination of groundwater and nearby rivers by harmful substances. JR Central emphasized that thorough safety measures would be taken to prevent any leakage.
The "special measures soil" comes from tunnel excavation work in nearby Oshika Village. JR Central had previously discussed with local governments the idea of reusing the soil in public works, but no suitable sites were found. As a result, the soil will now be used for the bridge piers. JR Central explained that it submitted an environmental conservation plan to Nagano Prefecture in September 2024 and, after receiving "advice" from the prefecture in January 2025, refined its construction plans accordingly.
Info based on: https://mainichi.jp/articles/20250425/d ... 20/112000c Accessed 2025-04-25
At a community meeting held on April 23, 2025, JR Central (JR Tokai) announced its plan to use soil containing arsenic ("special measures soil") as construction material for bridge piers at the "Nagano Prefecture Station" (Iida City) on the Linear Chuo Shinkansen line. About 40 residents attended the meeting at the Kamisato Community Center in Iida. JR Central stated that transportation of the soil would begin in early June and that it would take about two to three months to fill one pier. Residents voiced strong concerns about the potential contamination of groundwater and nearby rivers by harmful substances. JR Central emphasized that thorough safety measures would be taken to prevent any leakage.
The "special measures soil" comes from tunnel excavation work in nearby Oshika Village. JR Central had previously discussed with local governments the idea of reusing the soil in public works, but no suitable sites were found. As a result, the soil will now be used for the bridge piers. JR Central explained that it submitted an environmental conservation plan to Nagano Prefecture in September 2024 and, after receiving "advice" from the prefecture in January 2025, refined its construction plans accordingly.
Info based on: https://mainichi.jp/articles/20250425/d ... 20/112000c Accessed 2025-04-25
Re: [JP] Nagano Urges JR Central to Strengthen Environmental Measures
There are no gaurentees in life, just build it the safest way possible.
-
latestnews
- Posts: 298
- Joined: 1. Oct 2021, 13:44
Re: [JP] Nagano Urges JR Central to Strengthen Environmental Measures
In response to concerns about the use of excavated soil containing naturally occurring heavy metals exceeding regulatory limits, the city of Iida, Nagano Prefecture, has signed an agreement with JR Central regarding environmental safety related to the Chuo Shinkansen construction.
The soil in question was generated during tunnel excavation in Ōshika Village and is planned for reuse as part of a bridge foundation in Iida. Local residents raised concerns about potential water pollution and environmental impact.
The agreement, signed on June 6, includes the following commitments:
Measures to prevent the soil from spreading into surrounding areas.
Ongoing groundwater quality monitoring.
Prompt and appropriate action by JR Central if any environmental or health impacts occur.
Iida Mayor Takeshi Sato stated that the agreement reflects community input and aims to ensure long-term safety and accountability.
JR Central responded that it will comply with both its environmental protection plan and the newly signed agreement with Iida.
Additionally, the city plans to establish an independent review body this year, involving experts to monitor JR’s countermeasures and water quality inspection results.
Info based on: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/lnews/shutoken/2 ... 18336.html Accessed 2025-06-09
The soil in question was generated during tunnel excavation in Ōshika Village and is planned for reuse as part of a bridge foundation in Iida. Local residents raised concerns about potential water pollution and environmental impact.
The agreement, signed on June 6, includes the following commitments:
Measures to prevent the soil from spreading into surrounding areas.
Ongoing groundwater quality monitoring.
Prompt and appropriate action by JR Central if any environmental or health impacts occur.
Iida Mayor Takeshi Sato stated that the agreement reflects community input and aims to ensure long-term safety and accountability.
JR Central responded that it will comply with both its environmental protection plan and the newly signed agreement with Iida.
Additionally, the city plans to establish an independent review body this year, involving experts to monitor JR’s countermeasures and water quality inspection results.
Info based on: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/lnews/shutoken/2 ... 18336.html Accessed 2025-06-09
-
latestnews
- Posts: 298
- Joined: 1. Oct 2021, 13:44
[JP] Nagano – Iida City to Independently Investigate Rivers Near Maglev Construction Soil Site
Nagano – Iida City to Independently Investigate Rivers Near Linear Shinkansen Construction Soil Site
In response to the start of deliveries this week of excavated soil containing naturally occurring heavy metals exceeding regulatory limits to a Linear Chuo Shinkansen construction site in Iida City, the city government has announced plans to independently conduct water quality testing in nearby rivers, separate from JR Central’s own monitoring.
The construction of the Linear Chuo Shinkansen involves a plan to use soil—containing naturally occurring heavy metals above standard limits and excavated during tunnel boring in the village of Ōshika—as part of the foundation for a bridge currently under development in Iida City. Deliveries of this soil to the site began on June 9.
Local residents have expressed concerns about possible water contamination. Although JR Central has already committed to ongoing monitoring of groundwater and river water quality, Iida City has now decided to launch its own independent testing of surrounding rivers.
According to the city, the investigation will be carried out at one downstream location on the Tosogawa River near the construction site. Details such as frequency and duration of the tests are still under consideration, but the city plans to publish the results on its official website and other platforms.
Iida City’s Linear Promotion Division stated:
Info based on translated NHK News https://www3.nhk.or.jp/lnews/nagano/202 ... 35100.html Accessed June 13, 2025.
In response to the start of deliveries this week of excavated soil containing naturally occurring heavy metals exceeding regulatory limits to a Linear Chuo Shinkansen construction site in Iida City, the city government has announced plans to independently conduct water quality testing in nearby rivers, separate from JR Central’s own monitoring.
The construction of the Linear Chuo Shinkansen involves a plan to use soil—containing naturally occurring heavy metals above standard limits and excavated during tunnel boring in the village of Ōshika—as part of the foundation for a bridge currently under development in Iida City. Deliveries of this soil to the site began on June 9.
Local residents have expressed concerns about possible water contamination. Although JR Central has already committed to ongoing monitoring of groundwater and river water quality, Iida City has now decided to launch its own independent testing of surrounding rivers.
According to the city, the investigation will be carried out at one downstream location on the Tosogawa River near the construction site. Details such as frequency and duration of the tests are still under consideration, but the city plans to publish the results on its official website and other platforms.
Iida City’s Linear Promotion Division stated:
(translated from Japanese)"By conducting our own testing, we hope to alleviate residents' concerns. If any abnormalities are found, we will request that JR Central halt construction and will work to identify the cause."
Info based on translated NHK News https://www3.nhk.or.jp/lnews/nagano/202 ... 35100.html Accessed June 13, 2025.
-
Miss Maglev
- Posts: 473
- Joined: 23. Apr 2021, 13:30
[JP] Nagano Soil Problem: JR Tokai to Respond by Late July
JR Tokai to Respond by Late July to Linear-related Construction Work in Oshika Village on Soil in Need of Treatment.
JR Central (JR Tokai) is currently dealing with the issue of "designated countermeasure soil"—excavated earth containing elevated levels of substances like arsenic—produced during tunnel construction for the Linear Chuo Shinkansen in Ooshika Village, Nagano Prefecture. The company has announced it will respond to Nagano Prefecture's guidance on how to handle this soil by late July 2025. The current plan is to use this soil in land preparation for the Koshibugawa Substation within the village.
The broader context for this issue involves significant environmental and social concerns related to the maglev project. Tunnel construction for the Linear Chuo Shinkansen generates massive amounts of excavated soil, some of which is contaminated with toxic chemicals such as arsenic and mercury. While some of this soil can be reused, much of it is used to fill in gorges and river valleys, raising fears among experts and residents about potential landslides and water contamination, especially during heavy rains. There are also worries about the tunnels’ impact on local water resources, as past projects have led to the permanent loss of underground aquifers and farmland.
In Ooshika Village specifically, residents have expressed deep dissatisfaction with the environmental damage and disruption caused by the construction. The high volume of dump truck traffic and irreversible damage to the ecosystem have led to a sense of powerlessness among locals. Despite public opposition and environmental concerns, the project continues as a national policy priority.
JR Central has stated that it is working to address environmental impacts by implementing risk responses, monitoring, and conservation measures, such as reducing dust and managing the use of excavated soil. However, the effectiveness of these measures and the long-term safety of using contaminated soil for land development remain points of concern for local communities and environmental advocates.
Info based on: https://www.shinmai.co.jp/news/article/ ... 5061900185 Accessed 2025-06-19
JR Central (JR Tokai) is currently dealing with the issue of "designated countermeasure soil"—excavated earth containing elevated levels of substances like arsenic—produced during tunnel construction for the Linear Chuo Shinkansen in Ooshika Village, Nagano Prefecture. The company has announced it will respond to Nagano Prefecture's guidance on how to handle this soil by late July 2025. The current plan is to use this soil in land preparation for the Koshibugawa Substation within the village.
The broader context for this issue involves significant environmental and social concerns related to the maglev project. Tunnel construction for the Linear Chuo Shinkansen generates massive amounts of excavated soil, some of which is contaminated with toxic chemicals such as arsenic and mercury. While some of this soil can be reused, much of it is used to fill in gorges and river valleys, raising fears among experts and residents about potential landslides and water contamination, especially during heavy rains. There are also worries about the tunnels’ impact on local water resources, as past projects have led to the permanent loss of underground aquifers and farmland.
In Ooshika Village specifically, residents have expressed deep dissatisfaction with the environmental damage and disruption caused by the construction. The high volume of dump truck traffic and irreversible damage to the ecosystem have led to a sense of powerlessness among locals. Despite public opposition and environmental concerns, the project continues as a national policy priority.
JR Central has stated that it is working to address environmental impacts by implementing risk responses, monitoring, and conservation measures, such as reducing dust and managing the use of excavated soil. However, the effectiveness of these measures and the long-term safety of using contaminated soil for land development remain points of concern for local communities and environmental advocates.
Info based on: https://www.shinmai.co.jp/news/article/ ... 5061900185 Accessed 2025-06-19
-
latestnews
- Posts: 298
- Joined: 1. Oct 2021, 13:44
[JP] JR Central Halts Groundwater Countermeasures
JR Central Halts Groundwater Countermeasures for Maglev Tunnel Due to Risk of Tunnel Damage
JR Central has announced it will halt ongoing groundwater countermeasures at the construction site of the Chuo Shinkansen (Maglev) tunnel in Mizunami City, Gifu Prefecture. The decision comes amid concerns that the mitigation efforts—which were aimed at addressing falling groundwater levels and land subsidence in the surrounding area—could actually damage the tunnel in the future.
While groundwater levels have already declined due to the tunnel work, the company has not found a viable way to restore them. As a result, the land in the area could sink by up to 20 centimeters over the next several years.
JR Central disclosed this information during a community briefing held on June 3, 2025.
Info based on . https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXZQOUC ... 0C2000000/ Accessed 2025-06-28
JR Central has announced it will halt ongoing groundwater countermeasures at the construction site of the Chuo Shinkansen (Maglev) tunnel in Mizunami City, Gifu Prefecture. The decision comes amid concerns that the mitigation efforts—which were aimed at addressing falling groundwater levels and land subsidence in the surrounding area—could actually damage the tunnel in the future.
While groundwater levels have already declined due to the tunnel work, the company has not found a viable way to restore them. As a result, the land in the area could sink by up to 20 centimeters over the next several years.
JR Central disclosed this information during a community briefing held on June 3, 2025.
Info based on . https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXZQOUC ... 0C2000000/ Accessed 2025-06-28