Introduction to business operations

Plant Engineering Division

We will bring new value and contribute to achieving a sustainable
The Plant Engineering Division is engaged primarily in the design and construction of mechanical and electric
equipment for water treatment plants and sewage treatment plants at home and abroad, as well as the engineering,procurement, and construction of a variety of devices used with the equipment. METAWATER is a unique corporation
with expertise in both mechanical and electric technologies. We design and construct eco-friendly plants incorporatingenergy-saving, energy-creation technologies, etc. using electric technologies that maximize our unique mechanicaltechnologies and capabilities. Combining mechanical and electric technologies and product development expertise, wedevelop efficient water treatment plants and sewerage treatment plants, save energy, and efficiently use resources.
Director, Senior Executive Officer
Executive General Manager of Plant Engineering Divisionsociety.
Project Topics
Business topics Renovation of water treatment facilities at the Komatsu City Central Purification Center

Introduction of intensive solid-liquid separation technology* as an alternative tothe primary sedimentation tank

Noboru Okuda

The Komatsu City Central Purification Center water treatment facilities (Komatsu City,
Ishikawa Prefecture), which were renovated through a joint venture being represented
by METAWATER, began operation in November 2018. We have introduced our highspeed filtration system as an alternative to the primary sedimentation tank, which has
had an effect on improving simple treatment performance in clear and rainy weather. This
has realized a reduction in space used and eliminated construction costs for confluence
improvement facilities.

Major activities
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Given
the frequent occurrence of local heavy rainfalls in recent years,‌
we identify rain clouds using radar installed on high ground, detect
cumulonimbus clouds at an early stage, and project rainfalls to mitigate
flood damage. In addition, we work to improve confluences of rainwater
and wastewater with high-speed membrane filtration technologies,
which contribute to elevating water quality in rivers and marine areas.
‌‌As facilities continue to age and the population continues to decline,
we are working on joint research with the Japan Sewage Works
Agency to spread alternative technology for the primary sedimentation
tank, which can save space, in order to respond to the growing needs
for consolidation of facilities and treatment plants.

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We
‌ are proposing a number of energy solutions, including various
power generation technologies utilizing waste heat from digestion
gas emitted through processes of sewage treatment and sludge
incineration treatment.
We
are contributing to building local communities that offer‌
comfortable lives through a disaster rehabilitation project on the coastof the Tohoku region.

*This technology was developed from joint research between METAWATER and the Japan Sewage
Works Agency for the innovative sewage system technology demonstration project (B-DASH Project)
led by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism in FY2011. It has been empiricallystudied as a commissioned study by the National Institute for Land and Infrastructure Management,
and is part of technology that has been evaluated by experts. This will be the first introduction case inJapan since the Institute has formulated the technology introduction guidelines.

Komatsu City Central Purification Center

Renovation of water treatment facilities at the Komatsu City Central Purification Center (machinery)(electrical equipment)〃
Contract applicant: Komatsu City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Address: Site in Tsurugashimamachi, Komatsu City
Construction period: March 13, 2017 - March 29, 2019

Internal meeting of engineers

SDGs being promoted

Implementing leading-edge technologies, including advanced water-quality
improvement technologies, energy-saving technologies, and clean energy
power generation for degraded water purification plants and sewage
treatment plants enables stable supplies of safe and clean water of sufficientquality and capacity through plant construction.
Constructing sustainable plants with downsized technologies in response toa social environment with falling populations and super-aging societies

Valve room for high-speed filtration equipment

B-DASH Project adoption technology put into practical use

Intensive solid-liquid separation technology (alternative to primary sedimentation tank/confluency improvement)

Upper
screenIn rainy weather, it is possible to improve confluency and reduce thepollution load on rivers and seas by filtering the increasing amount of
sewage and discharging it into the river after disinfection. This alsocombats direct discharge of untreated sewage, which is a social issue.

Upper
screenDownward flow

METAWATER REPORT 2019

Pressure
regulation channel
Filtermedium layer

Raw water

Looking at trends over the next 10 years, we will have to respond to significant environment changes, expansion of PPP projects, a serious
shortage of engineers and aging facilities, evolution and expansion of IoT and AI, and development of work-style reforms. To respond tochanging social and customer needs driven by these changes in the business environment, the Plant Engineering Business Headquarters
will take up the challenge and pursue optimal engineering, procurement, and construction, and bring about new value, thus contributing toachieving a sustainable society.

Can also be used to improve confluency

上Upward
向流 flow

Future developments

Technology that efficiently removes foreign substances and BOD, SS, etc.,
using an original filter medium. Can be installed as an alternative to existing
primary sedimentation tanks, taking up less space and improving the amountof water that can be treated without adding equipment. Simple cleaning andmaintenance reduces maintenance costs and contributes to lower energy usage.

Actual size

Raw water

Engaging in disaster rehabilitation work centered on the coast of the Tohoku
Region and contributing to building sustainable local communities byimproving the water environment

Space-saving installation and simple maintenanceSpecial filter medium improves
processing performance‌
Developing
technologies and supplying solutions for increasing sewage
inflows due to abnormal weather such as heavy rainfalls

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Management and Operations Overview

Strategy for the futureHigh-speed
cleaning equipment

Ensure water treatment functionality in the event of a disasterTo washingwastewater tank

Filtration process

Cleaning process

Excellent earthquake resistance and BOD/SS processing performance,
making it effective for BOD response measures thanks to sedimentation/sterilization and primary processing in the event of a disaster.

METAWATER REPORT 201928

Introduction to business operations

Service Solution Division

The Service Solution Division is engaged in business activities that include inspection, repair, operation, andmaintenance of mechanical and electric equipment of domestic water supply and sewage facilities, as well as
design, construction, operation, and maintenance of waste treatment facilities (bulk waste, incombustible waste,
and recyclable waste). Given a domestic water supply and sewage business facing degradation of facilities andequipment, there are high expectations of private companies when local governments are experiencing financial
squeezes and there are shortages of engineers and staff to operate and maintain facilities. The Service Solution
Division provides services through networks run by 30 operating bases across the country. Our services are oriented
toward customers in local communities. For instance, if a customer experiences an emergency, such as a failure or
problem with mechanical and electric equipment, we visit them immediately to provide support.
Senior Executive Officer
Executive General Manager of Service Solution Division

sustaining water and environmental infrastructure.
Project Topics
Business topics Shitomogawa Purification Center facility inspections, operation monitoring, etc.

Establishing the last new sewage treatment plant in Japan, with the EPC and service departments working
together to obtain a long-term contract for maintenance, inspection, and monitoring

Makoto Shimizu

As expectations placed on private companies in the water and sewage businesses increases,
METAWATER is receiving large-scale orders that encompass everything from design andconstruction to operation and maintenance. Additionally, for EPC projects that were initiallycommissioned just for design and construction, there are an increasing number of cases
where operation and maintenance work is ordered as well after construction.

Major activities
●

●

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We
‌ provide wide-area administration services for facilities, basedon the Water Business Cloud (WBC) using IoT and cloud computing
technology, and registry services for equipment and devices to support
asset management.
We‌ are continuously proposing optimization to realize reduced energy
usage, automation, reduced need for human personnel, etc., throughthe introduction of cutting-edge technologies such as AI and ICT.

This is thanks to collaboration between the EPC department, handling design andconstruction, and the service department, handling operation and maintenance. Working
together with the service department from the design stage allows proposals to be madethat consider all aspects of on-site operation, including ease of use, efficiency, and safety.

Shitomogawa Purification Center

Shitomogawa Purification Center
Outline of facility inspections, operation monitoring, etc.

We‌ strive to strengthen partnerships with local companies in order tooffer more stable and local-community oriented services.

Facility name: Mie Prefectural Sewerage Management
Public Corporation
Shitomogawa Purification Center
Business details: Facility inspections, operation monitoring, etc.
Contract period: April 1, 2019 - March 31, 2024
Maintenance management operation using WBC

SDGs being promoted‌Contributing
to generating and supplying safe and clean water by
maintaining the functions of clean water treatment equipment and devices
Contributing to stable operations by maintaining the functions of sewage
treatment equipment and devices (maintenance of discharged water quality)
Supporting innovations and energy-saving maintenance operations by offering
new technologies and new services, such as automated unmanned operation
Services for WBC-based and SaaS-type operations (providing softwareand software operating system environment through a network)
Design and operation of waste treatment facilities with functions attachedwhich enable local residents to address the importance of reducing andrecycling waste, and supporting their education and encouragement‌‌
Reinforcing
the service solution business through partnerships withlocal companies

Future developments
In the future, in addition to conventional maintenance services, we will continue to provide new services including a variety of outsourced
services related to stock and asset management, along with expanding PPP projects.
We will strengthen and actively promote partnerships with local companies and governments by proposing profit-sharing systems
that return profits from the sale of recyclables (metals, cans, plastic bottles, etc.) generated during the waste disposal process to local
governments, basic equipment improvement projects that prolong service life without needing to close old waste treatment facilities, etc.

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METAWATER REPORT 2019

Management and Operations Overview

We will continue to create and offer new services that contribute to

METAWATER SERVICE Co., Ltd. is the service department from the design stage, and also works
on central monitoring and control facilities as well as substation facilities for the Shitomogawa
Purification Center, which is said to be the last new sewage
treatment plant in Japan, completed in March 2018.
Adopting a site-friendly maintenance management proposal,
since the start of operation in April 2018 we have beencommissioned for a long-term period (5 years) to operate
and maintain water and sludge treatment facilities using ICT.

Strengths of the METAWATER service business
The know-how for starting up new treatment facilities

Maintenance utilizing ICT

In the past few decades, there have been almost no new sewage treatment
plants in Japan, making the experience of starting up a sewage treatment plantfrom scratch invaluable.
Several years ago, METAWATER set up a new treatment plant in Aichi
Prefecture, and that experience and know-how have been put to great use with
the Shitomogawa Purification Center, enabling a smooth start to operations.

METAWATER's cloud service WBC
has a Smart Field Note feature fordaily inspections. With this, smart
devices are used for efficient
operation and maintenance.

Collaboration between the EPC (design andconstruction) department and service department
For design and construction, the service department, which handles
operations and maintenance, conveys opinions related to safety,
operability, etc., from the on-site viewpoint to the EPC department,
working from the design and proposal stage as a united “TEAMMETA” with the company acting as one.

TEAM - META

EPC (design and construction)

Operation and maintenance

Emergency response capabilities

24h 365day 60min
In order to deal with potential accidents and trouble at nightand during holidays, we have established a system that allows
for emergency dispatch 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. A
representative will arrive at the Center within an hour of receiving
the dispatch request.

METAWATER REPORT 201930

Introduction to business operations

International Business Division

The International Business Division aims to develop business focusing on providing METAWATER's unique anddifferentiated products and technologies to countries all around the world, including Asia, where future market
expansion is expected, and centering on North America and Europe, where environmental regulations are becoming
increasingly strict. In order to accomplish this, we strive to maintain a focus on localism.
We participate in the global water business, which is expected to expand in the future, by promoting the localization ofbases and delivering products and technology customized to meet local demands and environmental changes, allowing
us to become a reliable presence in the regions we're working in. We are also contributing to the development of thewater environment in various regions all throughout the world, as well as to SDGs from the viewpoints of improving
sanitary conditions, creating a comfortable place to live, and fighting global warming.
Executive Officer
Executive General Manager of International Business Division

problems through a focus on localism
Project Topics
Business topics Project for water quality improvement for Japanese Bridge area in Hoi An City, Vietnam

Cleaning the water of Hoi An, a city of world heritage,using Japanese water treatment technology
In November 2018, we completed a sewage treatment facility* 1 featuring theadvanced energy-saving sewage treatment system, technology developed for
emerging countries, in Hoi An, Vietnam. By improving the water quality around the"Lai Viễn Kiều (Japanese Covered Bridge)" area, which has a deep connection withJapan, we are contributing to an improvement in living and sanitation conditions, andpreserving tourist attractions.

Ken Akikawa

Major activities●●

In‌ North America, Aqua-Aerobic Systems, Inc. (AAS) became asubsidiary of METAWATER in 2016, and has developed differentiatedtechnologies with an impressive presence, including a sequencing
batch sludge system, cloth media filter, and Aqua NeredaⓇ, an aerobic
granule sewage treatment technology. It has a stable revenue basewith a sales network covering the entire United States. Additionally,
we are gradually developing our own water treatment technologies,
ozone generation systems, and ceramic membrane filtration systems
with AAS at the core.
In‌ Europe, we are expanding the CeraMacⓇ system worldwide using ourceramic membranes together with the Dutch company PWNT. Basedon the results we receive regarding introduction of this technology
to water treatment plants in the Netherlands, England, Switzerland,
and Singapore, we will promote the expansion of water treatment
technology using our technology by strengthening strategic cooperation
with PWNT.

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In
‌ Asia, we delivered the first machine of an advanced energy-saving
sewage treatment system, which has been acknowledged as overseasoriented technology by the Japan Sewage Works Agency, working
toward realization of technology localization in emerging countries.
Additionally, a representative office was established in Singapore
with the primary purpose of conducting market research on the water
environment, collecting the necessary information for future projects.
Together with the representative offices already established in Hanoi
and Phnom Penh, we aim to expand our business in the growing market
of Asia.
For‌ other news, a total of 25 in-vehicle ceramic membrane filtrationequipment were sold in six African countries and Southeast Asia. We
have also been contributing to the development of local communities,
receiving a letter of thanks from the government of Myanmar regarding
use of this equipment during floods.

Management and Operations Overview

Contributing to solving the world's new water environmental*1 This project was a joint venture between METAWATER and TSUKISHIMA KIKAI CO., LTD.

Interview with staff in charge

Hoi An sewage treatment facility

I served as the on-site lead for mechanicaland electrical work.
What brought me the most joy was that our
technology could contribute to improving
the local water environment, and that I got
to hear words of appreciation from the local
residents.

Plant Engineering Division

Toichiro Sasaki

Lai Viễn Kiều (Japanese Covered Bridge)

Developing a water treatment system that meets the needs of a country
SDGs being promoted

Sale of sewage treatment devices and water purification devices
in North America
Development of ceramic membrane filtration technology incooperation with overseas companies
Implementing advanced energy-saving sewage treatment
systems in Asia
Deployment of in-vehicle ceramic membrane filtration equipment
Creating jobs and providing education through local companies,
subsidiaries, representative offices, and projects in local areas

Features of Pre-treated Trickling Filter (PTF) system, a technology developed for Southeast Asian countries
The PTF system is a technology developed for emerging countries through METAWATER's use of industry-academia collaborations, and has been
acknowledged as "overseas-oriented technology*2" by the Japan Sewage Works Agency.
This technology was developed with the goal of improving regional water quality through sewage treatment, improving the living and sanitation
conditions and contributing to the development of the local economy.
*2 The name of the system acknowledged as overseas-oriented technology by the Japan Sewage Works Agency is the "advanced energy-saving sewage treatment system",
however this is synonymous with the "Pre-treated Trickling Filter (PTF) system".

■ System flow

A system combining three of METAWATER's unique technologies

Grit chamber /Water pump

Future developments
Floating sponge filtration system

We will continue to promote localization, discover partner companies in various regions, and engage in dialogue with customers throughout
the world so that all regions will take new water environment issues seriously. We will also create new value by taking advantage of ourtechnology and experience. We will continue to contribute to the realization of a sustainable society by quickly detecting changes in theever-changing global water environment and providing solutions.

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METAWATER REPORT 2019

(FSF: Floating Sponge Filter)

High-rate trickling filtration system

Solid SS* and BOD* areremoved by filtration(HTF: High-rate Trickling Filter)

3*3 SS: Suspended Solids*4 BOD: Biochemical Oxygen Demand

4

Biofilms primarily remove
soluble BOD*4

Disinfection tank /Wastewater pump

Final solid-liquid separation tank
(SLS: Final Solid-Liquid Separator)

Filter and remove fine SS*3
such as detached biofilms

METAWATER REPORT 201932

Introduction to business operations

PPP Division

The Public Private Partnership Division promotes PPP projects in the Japanese water and sewage market.
In Japan, we need to take early measures to resolve a string of issues including falling revenue and alack of engineers in local governments operating water supply and sewerage projects, at a time where
there are declining populations, degradation of facilities and equipment constructed during a period ofhigh economic growth, and major earthquakes and torrential rainfalls. Since the implementation of the
PFI Act in 1999, public infrastructure developments have been carried out through PPP using the capital,technologies, and know-how of the private sector. Furthermore, the Water Supply Act, which was revisedin 2018, clearly calls for the promotion of wider area business operations, public-private partnerships, andmore, making it likely that projects using the private sector are likely to expand further.
Executive Officer and Executive General Manager of
PPP Divisionin the PPP business.
Project Topics
Business topics Aizuwakamatsu City Takizawa Water Purification Plant Renovation Project

Renovating and maintaining a historic water purification plant in the
Aizu region, building a fully integrated maintenance system "from intake to faucet"
The METAWATER Group has been entrusted with the Aizuwakamatsu City Takizawa Water
Purification Plant Renovation Project in Fukushima Prefecture. This project was implemented
using the DBO method*2, and the Takizawa Water Purification Plant is being designed andconstructed by the METAWATER Group. Since April 2014, a SPC*3 "Aizuwakamatsu Aqua
Partner Co., Ltd.", of which we serve as the representative company, has been managing theoperation of water treatment plants in the City, including the Takizawa Water Purification
Plant, as well as maintaining water transport and distribution facilities.
Taking advantage of our abundant amount of business achievements, we support the stable
and continuous supply of safe, high quality water.

Masashi Sakai

Major activities●We‌ undertook the "Comprehensive Consignment of the Arao City
Water Business, etc." in 2016, which was a consigned project package
comprehensively covering areas from customer services to asset
management for water supply facilities. When launched, this consigned
project was the first in Japan to provide comprehensive●‌ In the same year, we also participated in a project related to a thirdsector company, Kitakyushu Water Service Co., Ltd., with joint
investments from the municipal government of Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka
Prefecture, and six private companies, and are engaged in monitoring
operations and centralized control of municipal water and wastewater
facilities and other wide-area projects.
●

and the consigned areas covered were expanded, including involvementin business operations for management and planning support andadministration of water supply and sewage pipelines, which had
previously been undertaken by local governments and governmental
institutions. As a result, as a growing company, our consigned businessareas offering total solutions have expanded.

Management and Operations Overview

We will focus on formulating a new business base as a front runnerTakizawa Water Purification Plant*2 DBO: An abbreviation for Design, Build, and Operate. An approach where private companies collectively handle facility
design, construction, and operation and maintenance*3 SPC: An abbreviation for Special Purpose Company. Companies whose purpose is to run specific business operations

Project summary
Project name: Takizawa Water Purification Plant Renovation Project
Project scope: Takizawa Water Purification Plant maintenance (design and construction)
Maintenance and operations from the water source to the faucet (including
operation management of the cities four water treatment plants and one water
treatment facility and maintenance management of water transport/distribution
facilities in the City, through third party commission)In‌ addition, we were consigned the Nakatsugawa City’s comprehensive
water supply consignment project (Gifu Prefecture) and other projects,

Design and construction period: April 1, 2014 - March 31, 2018
Operation and maintenance period: April 1, 2014 - March 31, 2033 (19 years)
Design and construction: METAWATER GroupOperation and maintenance: Aizuwakamatsu Aqua Partner Co., Ltd.

Arao City BCP

SDGs being promoted‌
Activities
ranging from design and construction to operation andmaintenance of water treatment plants, including mechanical andelectric equipment
We propose appropriate solutions tailored to local government issues,
such as the transfer of technology and financial deterioration in thewater and sewage business. A number of our unique value-added
services for PPP projects are also proposed.
Execution of a Business Continuity Plan (BCP) in the event of a natural
disaster such as water supply activities following the Kumamoto
Earthquakes in April 2016.

1,000 citizens participated in the commemorative "Water Festival" ceremony
In April 2018, a commemorative "Water Festival" ceremony
was held to celebrate the completion of the Takizawa
Water Purification Plant renovations in Aizuwakamatsu City.
Approx. 1,000 people participated in the event, including
the mayor of Aizuwakamatsu, Shohei Muroi, and otherrelated parties. A tour was offered, wherein we were able
to show off all the new renovations of the purification plant
and let citizens know how important the water supply is.
METAWATER is working on PPP projects with the goal of
having public and private partners work together, as well as
promoting love and trust by local residents, our customers.

Completion ceremony

Future developments
Amid increasingly expanding business areas that are expected to be covered by the private sector, we have positioned the PPP businessas a growth area and seek to formulate a new business base targeting privatization and wide-area services in the water and wastewaterbusinesses.
We have already participated in more than 30 PPP projects. In the future, we intend to promote the following three measures and workon business expansion as a front runner in the PPP market: (1) creating projects making use of a proposal system under the PFI Act; (2)improving efficiency and developing tools such as asset management tools using ICT; and, (3) promoting alliances and partnerships, andresponding to wide-area services with comprehensive service packages.
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METAWATER REPORT 2019

Membrane filtration facility tour with citizens

Multiple events, such as a performance by a local JHS brass band

METAWATER REPORT 201934