5. 3　Environmental Preservation

　 　Overall environmental pollution prevention in Japan has improved since FY1974.
Nevertheless, environmental problems have taken a new turn since the people's needs for environmental protection has become more exacting and diversified.
　 　Noise, vibration, and air pollution caused by traffic have become major social concerns, and there are many cases of lawsuits and disputes stemming from these.
　 　How to harmonize individual rights and interests with social benefits remains to be solved.

5. 3. 1　Environmental Disruption by Traffic - Present State and Countermeasures

　 　Control of exhaust gas levels from vehicles has been enforced for passenger cars for carbon monoxide, NOx, and hydrocarbons. Measurements of air pollution at three measuring stations in Tokyo are shown in Figure 2. Much remains to be done about the abatement of noise from vehicular traffic, however. Measures have been taken at the source to reduce noise from new trunk-line railways, but further efforts are required to reduce vibration hazards and radio interference. As regards aircraft, noise abatement measures have been taken at the source and, at the same time, soundproofing of schools, hospitals, and private homes has been carried out in areas around designated airports. Compensation for displacement and development of green buffer zones have also been pushed forward. On 19 0ctover, 1978, the Special Law concerning Aviation Noises around Designated Airport went into effect.

5. 3. 2　Marine Pollution - Present State and Countermeasures

　 　Overall marine pollution prevention is improving, partly because of tightened control on discharge of pollutants and intensified surveillance. Additional efforts are required for improving the water quality in inland, waters, however. Construction of slop-oil and marine waste disposal facilities have been promoted. In addition, tankers and oil terminals are obliged to prepare and maintain oil fences, etc. Strict surveillance and control are carried out. Preparations are being made to ratify the 1978 Protocol to the 1973 Marine Pollution Prevention Treaty adopted by the Inter-Governmental Maritime Consul- tative Organization in February 1978, and to reflect its spirit into Japanese law.

5. 3. 3　Assessment of Environmental Impact

　 　People are awakened to the importance of environmental protection, and their protection requirements are becoming more refined and diversified. Today, planning and implementation of any project is predicated upon justification through a preliminary environmental inventory survey, forcast and assessment of the impact of the project, and appreciation of the opinion and needs of the local communities and governments concerned.