The Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced the recipients of the 14th annual "Water Treatment Awards" in August 2005. The "Minister's Awards" were first presented in 1992, to promote greater awareness and understanding among citizens about sewerage and water treatment systems.

In the category of "Restoration and Recreation of the Water Environment," the award is given to recognize (1) construction of sewerage facilities that led to substantial improvement in polluted water in public areas such as rivers and lakes, and (2) active utilization of treated sewage water and stored rain water that resulted in recovery or significant improvements in the water environment. This year it was shared by three projects, one of which was the "Seseragi no Mori" (Brook Forest) of Shinomiya, Kanagawa Prefecture, which created a biotope in a facility that utilizes recycled water.

The "Efficient Use of Sewerage" category award recognizes contributions to the expansion of the roles of wastewater treatment systems in society by active utilization of sewerage facilities, such as for the use of sludge and thermal energy from wastewater. Kakegawa City, Shizuoka Prefecture was one of five recipients of the award this year, for succeeding in reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 96 percent, by installing a wind power station at a sewage treatment plant.

In the "Promotion Activities of Sewerage" category, the award is given in recognition of contributions to expand wastewater treatment services, and the spread of flush toilets (in rural areas) through proactive promotional activities. This year the award was shared by two projects, one of which was an awareness-raising project of Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture, which imprinted informational designs on manhole covers.


- Wind-Powered Sewage Treatment Plant Cuts CO2 Emissions by 96% (Related JFS article)
http://www.japanfs.org/db/1209-e

Posted: 2005/12/25 02:59:28 PM
Japanese version

TAG Energy , Government , Other , System/Law