New route plan was released in August 2012 and the route would partially cross Nakaikemi-shicchi area which designated as Ramsar site in July 2012. This new route is estimated pass though much inward to core area than the route previously proposed in March 1996. Accordingly we have concerned about its greater negative impacts on environment and Mr. Chirstopher Briggs, Ramsar Convention Secretary-General, visited and inspected the site in April 9th 2014. It leads further international attentions to this area as well.

The operator, Japan Railway Construction, Transport and Technology Agency (JRTT), formed a specialist committee to discuss environmental impacts of construction and a survey plan of impact prediction. First committee meeting was hold in November 16th 2013. Subsequently JRTT released a written plan for follow-up survey of environmental impacts in February 14th 2014. However the plan is missing basic information for prediction and evaluation, such as descriptions of concrete construction methods, evaluation/prediction measures, and required survey items regarding Ramsar site use.

Thus concerning local groups and NGOs jointly prepared a petition based on following 5 requests below, for 2nd committee meeting supposed to hold in mid-July. We submitted a petition to chief director in JRTT and chairperson in committee.

1. Add description regarding concrete construction methods in the plan

2. Official announcement regarding concrete prediction/evaluation methods for environmental impacts

3. Take impact avoidance actions based on prevention policy

4. Add surveys regarding “human-nature contact”, a significant requirement for Ramsar site

5. Ensure information disclosure and transparency

●A petition submitted is available below

---

July 8th 2014

Mr. Hiroki Ishikawa

Chief Director, Japan Railway Construction, Transport and Technology Agency

Mr. Masafumi Matsui

Chair, Hokuriku shinkansen, Nakaikemi-shicchi Follow-up Environmental Survey and Investigation Committee

                                              Akira Kameyama

                                              Chair of the Board of Direstors,

The Nature Conservation Society of Japan

                                        Chieko Sasaki

                                              Chief Director, NPO Wetland Nakaikemi

        Masaharu Okamoto and Yasuo Fujiki

                        Chair, NPO Nakikemi Net

                                              Minoru Kashiwagi, Masayuki Kurechi,

Shinichi Hanawa,Ryoichi Hori

                                              Associate Representatives, NPO Ramsar Network Japan

Dear Mr. Ishikawa and Mr. Matsui,

Nakaikemi-shicchi (Tsuruga city, Fukui prefecture) was designated as internationally protected wetland under Ramsar Convention in July 2012 due to its unique topographic feature called sac-like waste-filled valley, its rarity of world prominent 40 meters deep peat layers created over a hundred thousand years, and its abundant biodiversity. The site is also nationally protected by law as a part of Echizen-Kaga Kaigan Quasi-National Park.

Whereas the route construction plan for Hokuriku bullet train in this area was released in March 1996. In January 2002, environmental impact statement based on the plan was released to the public. Later route plan had been changed, and newly revised plan was released in August 2012. This proposed route will pass through Ramsar site much closer to core area than previous plan. We concern that negative environmental impacts on area will be greater than ever on accompanied by constructing operation. Approval of land development in Nakaikemi-shicchi is most likely to accelerate other developmental activities in protected areas either domestic or international; eventually it will be dangerous threat to the policy for protected areas.

You had formed a committee consisting of specialists, had held a meeting in November 16th 2012 and had released recorded minutes and a follow-up survey plan in February 14th 2014. However your written plan is lack of fundamental descriptions regarding concrete construction method or assessment method, which will be a basis of further prediction /evaluation.

Therefore we strongly request your implementation in following matters.

Present construction plan is lack of sufficient descriptions regarding route, scale of tunnel, tunnel height, besides execution yard and the location of construction road. In this situation, it is almost impossible to predict and assess environmental impacts in the target site accurately. We request additional concrete descriptions regarding construction method in the plan as premises of further investigation.

On the purpose of environmental impact assessment, investigation method is important factor; however the way how you predict and evaluate from the result obtained is far more important. We ask for your careful investigation and analysis done by the latest methods scientifically proved its full accuracy. We also ask you to present methods which the committee members have examined.

Nakaikemi-shicchi has been formed world prominent 40 meters deep peat layers over a hundred thousand years. Actually it is phenomenal that this formation occurred in temperate region. It implies that peculiar formation/preservation functions support peat layers. Such ecological function is vulnerable to any change in its hydrology system and it shall influence in irreversible way. Thus we request of you that you take prevention actions anytime when recognizing uncertainties in investigation, prediction, and evaluation procedures.

Nakaikemi-shicchi invites over twenty thousand visitors annually. It offers tourism, educational programs and sustainable use venue to us; it is a quite asset in the community. Ushirodani valley is significant in several reasons, as only hydrological outlet in whole wetland, corridor for fauna and flora, and entrance for visitors. Planned train route will cut the connection between Ushirodani and other valleys in Nakaikemi side. Consequently it will disturb both animal and plant movements such as migration, gene, and energy flows. Furthermore we presume the train route will worsen scenery, cause vibration, noise pollution, and other vast effects falling on environmental education and sustainable use. Fukayama tunnel exit nearby visitor center will be direct impacts on visitor’s use. Under Ramsar Convention, sustainable use is one important factor as same as conservation efforts. Mr. Christopher Briggs, Ramsar Convention Secretary-General, had pointed out environmental issues as mentioned above during his visit in April 9th 2014. We request you to add surveys of “human-nature contact”, one important subject in Ramsar site requirements. It enables us to examine human use impacts on the environment as well as Nakaikemi-shicchi.

Nakaikemi-shicchi is an important asset for local community; local entities have concerned its conservation over many years. The route construction will affect environment and community for an indefinite time. We strongly request to provide any related information openly to local people from the early phase for sure. Currently we can see various efforts to secure information disclosure and transparency regarding environmental assessment including your invitation for local entities to hearing administrative meeting and disclosure of official minutes or documents. As for your committee meeting, please ensure information disclosure and your transparency.

Sincerely yours,