To handle the problem of the air emissions at our works, an Environmental Administrative Committee was set up in 2006. The Committee includes experts from outside the Kobe Steel Group, and it monitors the progress made in implementing countermeasures and other environmental management issues in order to report to the Board of Directors. Efforts to ensure strict observance of all regulations and to strengthen environmental management are ongoing, through environmental audits and similar activities.
Environmental Management and Audits
In addition to internal audits and external audits undertaken by certifying organizations on the basis of ISO14001 at each operating location, the Environmental Control and Disaster Prevention Department undertakes its own audits of Kobe Steel works and plants, based on risk management guidelines.
Surveys are also conducted at Group companies to ensure that all environmental laws and regulations are being strictly followed.
In 2007, as in 2006, on-site audits and verification surveys were carried out at 11 Kobe Steel workplaces and 27 workplaces of Group companies, in addition to the ongoing practice of written audits. These on-site and verification surveys were undertaken by the Environmental Control and Disaster Prevention Department in Kobe Steel and the auditing departments of all Group companies with the assistance of outside consultants. Apart from the emissions problem at the Kobe and Kakogawa Works, no violations of environmental regulations were found at Kobe Steel plants or Group companies' facilities.
Shinko Aluminum Wire Co., Ltd.
Tesac Wirerope Co., Ltd.
Administrative Warnings and Guidance received in FY2007
No violations of environmental regulations on the part of Kobe Steel or any Group companies were identified, but some warnings and guidance were received from government authorities.
Warnings and guidance received from government authorities (Kobe Steel)
Air
Water
Other
Fiscal 2002
2
1
1
Fiscal 2003
2
1
1
Fiscal 2004
0
0
0
Fiscal 2005
4
0
0
Fiscal 2006
2
1
2
Fiscal 2007
0
0
0
Warnings and guidance received from government authorities (Group companies)
Air
Water
Other
Fiscal 2002
1
2
0
Fiscal 2003
0
2
0
Fiscal 2004
1
5
1
Fiscal 2005
0
4
1
Fiscal 2006
2
6
3
Fiscal 2007
2
2
1
Examples of warnings or guidance received
+
In setting up facilities to handle VOCs, notification to the authorities as required in the Air Pollution Control Law was not made on time, and a warning was received.
+
Guidance was received on wastewater that did not meet pH regulatory standards, and facilities were upgraded in compliance.
+
The department for publishing the manifest relating to the Waste Disposal and Public Cleaning Law was found to be deficient. Guidance was sought and a correction made.
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