Linear Shinkansen Experts' Meeting Shows a draft of "reducing the impact of water resources"

Regarding the Linear Chuo Shinkansen, which Shizuoka Prefecture has not approved to start construction due to concerns about its impact on water resources, the National Council of Experts presented a draft interim report stating that measures would reduce the impact on the basin of the Oi River. ..

On the other hand, Shizuoka Prefecture is demanding careful discussion because there are still questions, and the whereabouts of the construction start are still unclear.

Regarding the construction of the Linear Chuo Shinkansen in Shizuoka Prefecture, the prefecture has not approved the start of construction due to concerns about the impact on water resources such as the Oi River, making it difficult to open the target in 2027.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism has been discussing at a meeting of experts in water resources and tunnel engineering since April last year, and presented a draft of the interim report today, while discussions between the construction-oriented JR Central and the prefecture were difficult.

According to this, in response to Shizuoka Prefecture's concern that the amount of water in the Oi River will decrease due to the gushing of groundwater in the tunnel dug underground in the Southern Alps, which was the focus, another tunnel will be created as a water passage. It is said that it has been scientifically and engineeringly confirmed that the amount of water in the rivers in the middle and lower reaches can be maintained and the impact on groundwater is extremely small if measures such as returning all the spring water to the river are taken.

In the future, the Council of Experts will continue to discuss measures to prepare for unforeseen circumstances such as the sudden occurrence of spring water in the tunnel, and will summarize the views of the meeting.

On the other hand, Shizuoka Prefecture is calling for careful discussion, saying that there are still questions, and the whereabouts of the construction of the Linear Chuo Shinkansen are still unclear.

Linear Chuo Shinkansen What is the history of construction work in Shizuoka Prefecture?

Regarding the construction of the Linear Chuo Shinkansen in Shizuoka Prefecture, discussions between the prefecture and JR Central have been difficult, making it difficult to open the business in 2027, which is the target.

In November 2018, Shizuoka Prefecture established a specialized subcommittee with experts, saying that it is necessary to verify JR Central's environmental conservation measures for tunnel construction under the Oi River.

In this subcommittee, Shizuoka Prefecture requested explanation from the JR side to verify the method of returning the water that springs up in the tunnel to the river due to the construction work and to show concrete compensation in case the groundwater is affected. Talks did not progress.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism says that while Linear is an important project that has a great impact on people's lives and economic activities and is desired to be realized at an early stage, it is also necessary to avoid the impact on the water resources of the Oi River, etc. ..

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism established a meeting of experts in April last year to resolve issues.

We have been conducting scientific and engineering discussions focusing on measures to prevent the decrease in the amount of water in the river, which is a concern in tunnel construction under the Oi River, and the impact on groundwater in the middle and lower reaches.

Under these circumstances, in June last year, President Kaneko of JR Central met with Governor Kawakatsu of Shizuoka Prefecture for the first time, and asked for his understanding that preparatory work would be started early for full-scale construction.

However, Governor Kawakatsu said, "Preparatory work is not allowed because it is integrated with the main construction work," making it difficult to open the business in 2027, which is the goal.

Shizuoka Prefecture Deputy Governor Namba “Watching the contents of the summary”

As an observer at the expert meeting, Deputy Governor Takashi Namba of Shizuoka Prefecture, who attended online from the prefectural office, commented on the draft of the interim report. I think it is possible that we will discuss this at a meeting and then compile it further. "He said that he would like to continue to express his views as Shizuoka Prefecture and pay close attention to the contents of the compile.

JR Tokai Uno Vice President “I want to explain directly to the basin municipality”

"Opening in 2027 is very difficult," said Mamoru Uno, vice president of JR Central. However, it is important to understand the cities and towns in the basin for the problem of water resources, and construction cannot proceed without it. Despite the time it takes, the discussions at the National Council of Experts are steadily progressing and are an important time in the process. "

On top of that, Vice President Uno said, "The prefecture has told us to refrain from giving direct explanations and communication to the cities and towns in the basin, but in the process of organizing the expert meeting, we explained directly to the locals. I wish I could create an opportunity, "he said, reiterating his desire to directly explain to the cities and towns of the basin.