Environmental Management Environmental Sustainability Report 2004

Contribution to Environmental Protection through Products, Technologies and Services (5)

Environmental Remediation & Hazardous Substance Treatment Excess Sludge Volume Reduction System Kobelco Eco-Solutions Co., Ltd. http://www.kobelco-eco.co.jp/seihin/suishitsuodaku/ a00_023_est.htm An appropriate treatment process is now urgently required to treat the large amount of excess sludge generated in wastewater treatment and methane fermentation. Kobelco Eco-Solutions has developed theS-TE Process which solubilizes sludge at 60-70°C by t using pathogenetic-free thermophilic bacteria separated from the natural world. In conventional treatment processes, excess sludge is extracted and disposed of by incineration or landfilling. In the S-TE Process, excess sludge is solubilized by thermophilic bacteria and returned to an activated aeration tank to make it inorganic. In this way, sludge volume is greatly reduced. As compared to the disposal by incineration, landfilling or other conventional processes, the S-TE Process is eco-friendly and free of secondary pollution. S-TE Process Tank S-TE Process receivesExcellent Environmental Equipment Award The S-TE Process received the 29th Excellent Environmental Equipment Award from the Japan Society of Industrial Machinery Manufacturers, which is contributing to thee reduction of excess sludge. Treatment of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB)     Kobelco Eco-Solutions Co., Ltd. http://www.kobelco-eco.co.jp/     The total eradication of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) will be obligatory by July 2016, and PCB which is stored under close observation throughout Japan must be detoxified safely and definitely. Kobelco Eco-Solutions has developed technology to dechlorinate PCB using metallic sodium dispersed oil. Recently,Kobelco and Kubota Corporation jointly received an order from Japan Environmental Safety Corporation to construct a PCB waste treatment plant in Toyoda, Aichi. (Japan Environmental Safety Corporation is governed by the Ministry of the Environment.) . The plant will collect and detoxify PCB from the four prefectures of Gifu, Shizuoka, Aichi, and Mie. PCB treatment plant Development of Aluminum Pressure Receiving Plate for LandslidePrevention     Shinko Kenzai, Ltd. http://www.shinkokenzai.co.jp/     In general, to stabilize slopes susceptible to landslides, , concrete pressure receiving plates weighing more than 1 ton are commonly used.. For ease in construction and transportation,, 200-500 kg steel, FRP, or aluminum alloy cast forms were developed. However, demand has grown for lightweight pressue receiving plates that can be installed along narrow roads and elevated places where heavy machinery is unable to enter have been await. Kobe Steel's Mechanical Engineering Research Laboratory (Technical Development Group) and Kobe Steel's Aluminum and Copper Company worked in cooperation with Shinko Kenzai to develop KOALA (KObelco Aluminum Assemble), a pressure receiving plate made of aluminum extrusions for ground anchorage to prevent landslides. KOALA is a strong as steel or FRP pressure receiving plates, but is only 70% the weight of plates made of these materials and can be installed and assembled on the site by hand, without the use of heavy machinery. s In addition, KOALA is environment-friendly, safe and does not impair the scenery because it is recyclable, has suppressed light reflection, and has good paintabilty. The Company is also participating in development and research of ground anchor pressure Receiving plate design and testing technology at the Public Works Research Center. KOALA pressure receiving plates on a retaining wall