by the earthquake and tsunami. The survey checked environmental limits and detected dioxins and other substances under the environmental standard to measure water quality in rivers, the ocean, bottom sediment, and groundwater.

No significant contamination due to the earthquake was found in the environment of the affected area. At the same time, the response of the local governments was appropriate, since they collaborated with other municipalities involved to continue careful monitoring at locations where hazardous materials exceeded environmental limits. For drinking water, guidance was provided to the owners of targeted wells.

In addition, surveys on water quality, bottom sediment, and living substances were conducted to understand the situation after the earthquake, targeting enclosed coastal seas (five marine regions) in disaster-affected areas. These areas had serious concerns over deterioration in water quality due to pollutants flowing from land areas after the disaster.

Furthermore, although the environmental standard has not yet been established, a survey was conducted targeting substances with high residual content and hazardousness in the coastal region of the affected area.

Another survey was conducted on the seafloor using sonar to detect submerged rubble and waste. The device detected waste deposited on the sea bottom and took pictures with underwater cameras. No large rubble (collapsed buildings or vehicles) was detected. Also, the total amount of waste that flowed into the ocean was estimated, in addition to a survey conducted to predict the drifting route, location, and timing of arrival of objects of disaster-related waste drifting on the sea. This estimate was calculated by classifying the drifting objects into general driftage (boards caused by collapse of houses, fishing vessels flooded with water); driftage on the sea surface (floats and buoys for cultivation and fixed netting, undamaged floating fishing vessels); and driftage below the sea surface (timber including driftwood exposed to sea water). As a result, the general drifting objects category was predicted to reach the coastal area of the west coast of North America around October 2012 (Figure 2-3-1).

As to the soil environment, an emergency monitoring survey was conducted to observe the environment to investigate negative influences on human health due to the spread of chemical materials from industrial facilities and dioxin emissions from fires.

The survey was conducted over a wide area of public land from Aomori Prefecture to Chiba Prefecture, targeting dioxin and specified toxic substances specified in the Soil Contamination Countermeasures Act.

The results of the survey showed that four materials including lead and arsenic exceeded the standard eluted amount level or in the amount contained in the soil in some investigation spots. As to the spots where the eluted amount had been exceeded, an additional survey was conducted on the utilization situation of groundwater in the immediate area. In cases where such water was used as drinking water, groundwater quality was investigated and it was verified that the eluted amount did not exceed the environmental limit. As to the spots where the specified amount contained in the soil was exceeded, the usage situation of the land was surveyed and it was confirmed that access to these areas is being restricted.

## (2) Status of the spread of asbestos

The Ministry of the Environment has addressed asbestos issues by defining three core elements: measures to prevent the spread of asbestos; measures to prevent exposure to asbestos (including alleviating the concerns of affected people); and feedback on verification and results of these two preventative measures through surveys on the concentration of airborne asbestos.

Surveys on the concentration of airborne asbestos in affected areas were conducted at 505 locations in 2011, and will be continued in the years to come. In addition, the results of surveys conducted so far showed that no asbestos

## Photo 2-3-1 Disposing of Rotting Fishery Products

(Miyagi Prefecture)

Photo: Ministry of the Environment

(Iwate Prefecture)

spread to peripheral areas, except some worksites where asbestos was being removed from buildings. Although asbestos spread was confirmed at one site, there was no significant concern regarding the issue.

Upon request from local governments, the Ministry of the Environment conducted airborne environment monitoring at thirty locations, including areas where a large number of affected people are living (e.g., shelters) in Iwate,

## 3 Disposing of Rotting Fish

Vast amounts of fishery products rotted in cold storage warehouses installed at fishery harbors in Miyagi and Iwate prefectures, resulting in odor and noxious insects including flies. This raised concerns over environmental deterioration in the surrounding areas.

After the earthquake, measures were taken to bury the rotting products. However, the Miyagi and Iwate prefectural governments began to have problems securing enough land for the disposal, so they requested permission to dispose of some of the putrid products at sea.

## 4 Responses Targeting Affected Pets

The Great East Japan Earthquake brought enormous damage, not only to residents in the affected areas, but also to animals, including pets. In particular, the TEPCO Fukushima Daiichi NPS accidents in Fukushima Prefecture forced people to seek shelter without any belongings, and they were forced to leave a number of animals in the alert zone.

After the accident, assistance to rescue affected pets was provided with the help of certain groups, including local public authorities, the Emergency Disaster Animal Rescue Headquarters (consisting of the Japan Society for Miyagi, Fukushima, and Ibaraki prefectures. The results showed that arsenic and its compounds were in excess of established criteria at one location; however, an additional survey carried out in September verified that there was no significant problem. Also, the results of a monitoring survey conducted later in December further verified that there was no significant concern.

In response to the situation, standards specified by the minister of the environment with regard to waste, waters in which to dispose of waste, and methods of disposal were announced on April 7, 2011 regarding emergency marine disposal. The standards were based on the Act on Prevention of Marine Pollution and Maritime Disaster, and targeted the rotting fish in Miyagi Prefecture. On June 17, 2011, another notification, on rotting fish in Iwate Prefecture, was issued. Disposal of fishery products in the sea was completed around July 2011(Photo 2-3-1).

the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the Japan Animal Welfare Society, the Japan Pet Care Association, and the Japan Veterinary Medical Association). These groups provided material support, supplying items such as pet food and collecting and distributing monetary donations.

Activities to protect affected pets left behind in the alert zone were carried out by the Ministry of the Environment and Fukushima Prefecture in full cooperation with the help of other local governments, Headquarters for the relief of Animals in Emergencies, and veterinarians.

## Response Targeting Affected Pets

When the massive earthquake occurred, one of the critical issues at evacuation centers was avoiding potential problems due to the pets accompanying evacuees. Countermeasures actually taken at evacuation centers included: separating spaces for those with and without pets (i.e., providing designated areas for pet owners); using posters to notify those who suffered from animal allergies; and having veterinarians provide medical treatment and health consultations.

Iwate Prefecture helped evacuees with pets, providing cages, other pet items, and consultations, while Rikuzentakata City and Kamaishi City (Iwate Prefecture) allowed evacuees to keep their pets in the temporary housing.

Sendai City (Miyagi Prefecture) established the Sendai City Victim Animal Aid Station in consultation with the City Animal Management Center, Sendai Veterinary Medical Association, and NPOs to further ensure the effectiveness of animal protection. Various efforts have been made at the station to provide services, including medical information on animal hospitals, temporary custody and medical treatment at the animal hospital for affected dogs and cats with unknown owners due to the disaster, aid for affected animals at shelters, temporary custody of animals with affected owners, and efforts to protect or return affected animals.