## ② Sewerage quick project

In light of the declining population and the strained state of public finances, this project aims for the widespread implementation of new methods for swift and mobile maintenance, not constrained by past technological standards, low in cost, and corresponding to circumstances of regions with the cooperation local citizens, while a committee composed of experts inspect them for aspects such as competence. Manuals are being drafted to assist in the utilization of six technologies, such as the “plant manufactured small-scale waste-water treatment facilities (catalytic oxidation method),” which were acknowledged for their effectiveness in field tests that took place in 14 municipalities up to 2012. Other technologies are also under inspection and evaluation for their utilization throughout Japan.

Graphic II-8-4-6	Example of implementing the sew- erage quick project (small-scale waste-water treatment facility in Ninohe city, Iwate prefecture)

Source) MLIT

## (2) Attaining durability in sewerage projects

## ① Proper management over already existent facilities

The proper operation, maintenance, reconstruction, and renewal over sanitary drainage systems, which grow with the development of sewerage facilities (approximately 440 thousand km of pipe extensions and approximately 2.2 thousand processing plants), are extremely important. Neglecting deterioration poses the risk of causing grave repercussions in daily life and socioeconomic activities. Although most were small in scale, cave-ins on roads caused by deteriorated piping and corrosion from hydrogen sulfide occurred in approximately 4,700 locations in 2011. In order to maintain and improve the functions of sewerage in the future, and minimize or equalize necessary costs, we must promote the implementation of facility management that practices preventative maintenance. Therefore, in addition to deliberating over the implementation of efficient means for inspecting piping and the comprehensive consignment of management to private sectors, systematic reconstruction, including the enhancement of earthquake resistant capabilities and measures for prolonging structural life, is being undertaken.

## ② Reinforcement of business infrastructure

In the operation of sewerage works, although it is a fundamental rule to cover costs (excluding portions covered by public expense) for treating waste water with money acquired from usage fees, the initial establishment requires a lump sum of funds. Due to the business characteristic in which income begins to stabilize as sewerage systems develop, there are cases where funds fall short during construction. Therefore, with the “Guide for restoring financial health in sewerage works” we are pushing initiatives in each municipality for the restoration of financial health in sewerage works.

## ③ Consigning facility management to private sectors and acquiring technical capabilities

In regards to operation and maintenance of waste water treatment facilities, initiatives such as environmental improvements are being conducted to facilitate furthering the comprehensive consignment of management. $ ^{Note} $ Based on demands from local public organizations, the Japan Sewage Works Agency is provides technical support for constructing sewerage facilities, as well as for optimizing their operation and maintenance, and cultivating technical experts of local public organizations while developing new technology.

## (3) Reinvigorating communities through sewerage

The proper treatment of waste-water through improvements in sewerage, and the preservation or creation of healthy water environments, stimulates regional settlement and promotion of tourism and industry. In addition, by creating river fronts using recycled water from advanced waste water treatment, stimulating regional activities through the operation