JP Water Pollution Control Act — Structural Standards and Periodic Inspection Requirements to Prevent Groundwater Infiltration
ENFORCEMENT TIMELINE
Fully mandatory since June 1, 2015 (Periodic inspections at least once annually)
Overview
This groundwater infiltration prevention regulation under the Water Pollution Control Act requires operators of designated facilities that handle hazardous substances to comply with structural standards and conduct periodic inspections, aimed at preventing groundwater contamination caused by the infiltration of hazardous liquids into the ground.
Enforcement Timeline
2011: The Water Pollution Control Act is amended, establishing measures to prevent groundwater contamination in law.
June 1, 2012: The amended law takes effect, making structural standards and periodic inspections mandatory, with a three-year grace period for existing facilities.
June 2015: The grace period for structural standards applicable to existing facilities ends.
Business Impact
Businesses operating designated facilities that handle hazardous substances, such as plating tanks, pickling equipment, chemical storage tanks, piping, and floors, must bring their facilities into compliance with standards such as structures allowing visual inspection, containment berms, and corrosion-resistant, impermeable floor coatings, and must conduct periodic inspections at least once a year and retain records for three years.