This month, a large number of fish were found dead in a waterway near the Nippon Steel Works in Kimitsu City, Chiba Prefecture.

It has been confirmed that liquids containing chemical substances were leaking from the steelworks in this waterway, and Kimitsu City is calling to keep away from the vicinity.

On the 19th of this month, residents reported to the fire department that the water had turned red and the fish had died in the waterway beside the "Nippon Steel East Nippon Works Kimitsu District" in Kimitsu City.



Nippon Steel's investigation revealed that there was a hole in the tank containing the liquid containing the chemicals on the premises, leaking about 3000 cubic meters, and part of it was leaking into the waterway.



The spill is a liquid used to remove the sulfur component from the gas produced when burning coal, and the main component is "ammonium thiocyanate," which is harmful when swallowed.



As the steelworks have taken measures to prevent liquids from leaking out, Chiba Prefecture says that it is unlikely that the concentration will diminish in the waterways and immediately affect the human body.



The prefecture continues to investigate the water quality in the surrounding area and conducts on-site inspections at steelworks to investigate the detailed cause.



On the other hand, Kimitsu City is urging residents to stay away from the area and not touch or eat fish.



Nippon Steel East Nippon Works says, "We take it seriously that we have caused anxiety and inconvenience to the residents. We would like to investigate the cause under the guidance of Chiba Prefecture and prevent recurrence."