Press Release
December 21, 2004
The Ministry of the Environment compiled a report on vibration-related complaints and the status of enforcement of the Vibration Regulation Law in FY 2003 based on reporting by local governments.
Complaints on vibration totaled 2,608 in FY 2003 (2,614 in FY 2002), representing a decrease of 6 complaints (an approx. 0.2% decrease) over the previous year (Fig. 1). A breakdown of these complaints according to the vibration source shows that construction projects accounted for 1,492 complaints (57.2% of the total), factories and business establishments for 672 complaints (25.8%) and road traffic 293 (11.2%). (Fig.2).
While the number of complaints related to construction decreased by 69 against the previous year, those related to factories and business establishments increased by 21 and those related to road traffic increased by 36 (Fig. 3).
As of March 31, 2004, the total number of municipalities having designated areas under the Vibration Regulation Law was 1,699 (an increase of 6 cities, 4 towns and 5 village), comprising approximately 52.9% of the total number of municipalities across Japan.
The total number of factories and business establishments registered under the Vibration Regulation Law and subject to vibration control in accordance with the Law (specified factories, etc.) was 121,947 as of March 31, 2004 (120,916 in FY 2002) (Table 1). The number of on-site inspections conducted to these specified factories under the Law was 163 (129 in FY 2002). Administrative guidance was also given to 146 cases (136 in FY 2002) (Table 2).
The total number of construction works registered under the Vibration Regulation Law and subjected to vibration control in accordance with the law (specified construction works) was 30,317 (28,139 in FY 2002) (Table 3). The number of on-site inspections conducted to these specified construction works under the Law was 422 (457 in FY 2002). Administrative guidance was also given to 455 cases (versus 495 in FY 2002) (Table 4).
