### b. Sewage 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 of local citizens, while a committee composed of experts inspect them for aspects such as capability, etc. 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.

Figure II-8-4-6

Source) MLIT

## (2) Attaining durability in sewerage projects

### a. Proper stock management

With the progress of sewage systems, at year-end of 2012, there is a vast stock of approximately 450,000km of sewer line extension facilities as well as approximately 2,200 sewage treatment plants.

Because these sewerage facilities were built rapidly starting around the high economic growth period, the number of aging facilities is expected to increase rapidly from now on. Although in 2012, mainly small scale issues were arising, road collapses have occurred in 3,900 places due to corrosion caused by hydrogen sulfide and aging of the conduit facilities. Because the sewage system is an important social infrastructure which supports the safe and secure social and economic activities of urban living and provides a lifeline that is difficult to replace with alternative means, there is a necessity to sustain the required functions by conducting efficient, planned measures to deal with aging facilities through the introduction of stock management that practices preventative maintenance, while at the same time considering the introduction of comprehensive work consignment to private sector and efficient pipe inspection methods.

### b. Reinforcement of business infrastructure

In the operation of sewerage projects, 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 sewage management” we are pushing initiatives in each municipality for the restoration of financial health in sewage business management.

### c. Consigning facility management to private sector and acquiring technical capabilities

In regards to the operation and maintenance of waste water treatment facilities, initiatives such as environmental improvements are being conducted to facilitate furthering the comprehensive work consignment to private sector. Based on demands from local public organizations, the Japan Sewage Works Agency provides technical support for constructing sewage facilities, as well as for optimizing their operation and maintenance, and cultivating technical experts at local public organizations, while developing new technology.