Japan: Groundwater pollution detected in Toyosu (Tokyo)

Event

Health officials in Tokyo announced on Friday, April 6, that benzene levels 130 times above the recommended amount had been detected in groundwater at the new site for the Tsukiji fish market. The facility is slated to open in October on the site of a former gas plant in Toyosu. The world-famous Tsukiji market is leaving its current location to make way for a transportation hub being constructed ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

Context

The market, in operation since 1935, has become decrepit and does not conform to modern safety and sanitation standards. The new site in Toyosu, 3 km (2 mi) to the east of the current site, will contain modern sanitation and refrigeration facilities. The Tokyo government regularly tests air and groundwater samples for benzene and arsenic.

Advice

Individuals present in Tokyo are advised to keep abreast of the situation.