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Q2-2 Consultation on air pollution and odors

Last Updated May 29, 2024

Q
(1) I am troubled by the smoke and smell of outdoor burning (open burning).
A


 In principle, outdoor burning (open burning) is stipulated by Article 47 of the Ordinance on conservation, etc. of Yokohama City Living Environment (hereinafter referred to as the "City Ordinance") that no one shall do this. You. If you are in trouble with the smoke or smell of outdoor burning (open burning), Yokohama City will instruct the actor not to do so. .
 In addition, even if it is an outdoor burning act (open burning), which is an exception to the prohibition, if you are having trouble with the smoke or smell, Yokohama City will consider the direction of the wind when performing outdoor burning (open burning). We will request consideration such as reducing the amount of burning at once, and drying thoroughly before burning.

■Exceptionally, outdoor burning is permitted■
・ Combustion activities performed by persons engaged in agriculture, forestry, and fishery in accordance with their own work.
 (Combustion of harvest residues, pruned branches, etc. performed by farmers. However, combustion of synthetic resins and oils and fats is prohibited.)
・ Burning activities that are normally performed in daily life or outdoor leisure and are minor.
 (bonfires, barbecues, campfires, etc. However, combustion of synthetic resins and oils and fats is prohibited.)
・ Burning activities that are normally performed as part of educational activities and are minor.
 (supply of hot meals, which is held in school activities and boy scouts. However, combustion of synthetic resins and oils and fats is prohibited.)
・ Combustion in connection with local conventions or religious rituals
 (Dondoyaki, local tradition. Goma fire, etc. However, combustion of synthetic resins and oils and fats is prohibited.)
・ Fire extinguishing drills, disaster prevention (earthquake, storm and flood damage, fire, frost, etc.), emergency measures, combustion activities necessary for restoration

*Flyer "outdoor burning act" is prohibited in principle by the regulations (PDF: 1,643KB)

Image of illegal incineration


Incineration of construction waste materials


Large-scale incineration using drum cans


Use of incinerators that do not meet the standards


 Incineration of waste is prohibited, both indoors and outdoors, except for some exceptional acts. For details, please refer to the Waste Disposal and Public Cleansing Law (external site) and the Enforcement Order of the Law (external site).

(Atmosphere and Sound Environment Division Atmospheric Consultation Service: 045-671-2486)

Q
(2) I am troubled by dust and bad smell generated from the construction site.
A


 Dust and odors generated from construction sites are subject to regulations by city regulations.
 If you are having trouble with dust or odor generated from the construction site, Yokohama City will install watering equipment to the main contractor of the construction so that dust does not scatter and take other measures to sprinkle water. When using raw materials that generate odors such as paints, we will instruct you to store them in containers that are less likely to leak odors and take measures such as covering them with a cover.
 Please refer to Q(4) for detailed regulatory standards.

 In addition, since "dust" of city regulations excludes thing generated with "work to dismantle, remodel or repair buildings and other facilities", dust generated with the work concerned About, it is out of regulation of city regulations. However, even if it is not subject to regulations, if you are in trouble with dust, Yokohama City will request the prime contractor, etc. to consider when it is subject to regulations.

(Atmosphere and Sound Environment Division Atmospheric Consultation Service: 045-671-2486)

Q
(3) I am concerned about the scattering of asbestos (asbestos) due to construction work such as demolition.
A


 
 When dismantling, remodeling, or repairing buildings, etc., based on the Air Pollution Control Law, prime contractors, etc., conduct a survey to confirm whether asbestos-containing building materials are used before dismantling, etc. (Preliminary survey) must be conducted. In addition, prime contractors are required to post the results of the preliminary survey on the site and report using the asbestos preliminary survey result report system.
 If you are worried about the scattering of asbestos (asbestos) due to the dismantling of buildings, etc., Yokohama City will conduct a field survey and provide necessary guidance to prime contractors.
 
 Please refer to this page for procedures related to asbestos (asbestos).

(Atmosphere and Sound Environment Division Atmospheric Consultation Service: 045-671-2486)

Q
(4) We are in trouble with dust and odors generated from factories and business sites.
A


 
 About dust and odor generated from factory, business establishment, regulation standard is established by city regulations Article 25 Clause 1 second and third respectively. If you are in trouble with dust and odor generated from factories and business establishments, Yokohama City will conduct a field survey and provide necessary guidance to businesses.
 Regulation standards for dust
 Standards for Odors (PDF: 52KB)
  *To prevent odors from handbill offices (regulation standards and odor evaluation methods) (PDF: 623KB)

 In addition, regarding odors generated from factories and business establishments, in addition to regulations by city regulations, the Odor Control Law stipulates specific odorous substances (the Odor Control Law Enforcement Order as substances that cause unpleasant odors and may impair the living environment) Decrease concentration regulations are stipulated. In addition, industrial areas and semi-industrial areas are defined to improve the convenience of industry, so regulatory standards are relaxed than residential areas.

*About restricted zone, please refer to Yokohama-shi administration map reporting system (outside site) (Housing and Architecture Bureau City Planning Division).
*Dust and odors generated from ordinary houses are not subject to laws and regulations.

(Atmosphere and Sound Environment Division Atmospheric Consultation Service: 045-671-2486)

Q
(5)  I'm having trouble smelling from the kitchen of a restaurant.
A


 Restaurants are also one of the establishments, and regulatory standards for odors by city regulations are applied.
 However, whether or not a certain smell is uncomfortable depends on the subjective difference of the individual, it is difficult to judge objectively, and there is no established countermeasure technology for restaurants. It is unlikely that it will be appropriate to regulate the smell uniformly. Therefore, according to Article 39 of the City Ordinance, as a guideline for reducing the burden on the environment, restaurants have established matters that should consider regarding odor.
 If you have any problems with the smell from the kitchen of a restaurant, Yokohama City will conduct a field survey and request the store side to consider conservation's comfortable living environment. If the solution is still not resolved, Yokohama City will act as a coordinator, such as setting up a forum for discussion for amicable solution.
 
 Guidelines for reducing the burden on the environment (items that restaurants should consider regarding odors) (PDF: 92KB)
 *Smell of flyer restaurants, etc. (PDF: 632KB)
 *Deodorizing device selection guide (outside site) (Ministry of the Environment)

(Atmosphere and Sound Environment Division Atmospheric Consultation Service: 045-671-2486)

Q
(6)  I am in trouble because of air pollution and bad smell that I don't know the cause.
A
  • You may be asked to consult, such as "I don't know where the source is, but there is something bad smell," or "The cotton dust that flew from somewhere adheres to the screen door." If you are in trouble with air pollution or bad smell for unknown reasons, we ask you to provide as much information as possible, such as the date and time of damage, location, and frequency of damage (season / time zone). Based on the information received, Yokohama City will conduct a field survey and provide necessary guidance if the source of the factory, business site, or construction site is found. In the case of a transient phenomenon, the cause may not be known even if a field survey is conducted.
  • If the cause is unknown dust or odor, it may be due to natural phenomena. There are the following natural phenomena that are often consulted.
Natural phenomena that are often consulted
Hisakaki     

"Hisakaki" is an evergreen tree that sometimes grows in the gardens of private houses. It blooms from March to April, but this flower has a unique aromatic odor.
Depending on the person, this fragrance may be described as a smell like city gas or a smell like takuan.

Blueberry

"Aobagolomo" is an insect commonly found in hedges. The larvae are covered with white cotton-like secretions.
This white cotton secretion can fly in the wind and adhere to screen doors.                    

Photo of Hisakaki

Hisakaki full view
Overview of Hisakaki

Flower petals of hisakaki
Flower petals that emit odor

Photo of Aobagomo


Cotuffs attached to screen doors


Branches with larvae


  •  About off-flavors that have occurred in the city since October 2020This pagePlease check it out.

(Atmosphere and Sound Environment Division Atmospheric Consultation Service: 045-671-2486)

Q
(7) I'm in trouble with the smoke of a wood stove (pellet stove) used in a nearby house.
A


 About smoke by use such as wood stoves in house, there is no regulation by city regulations or law. The Ministry of the Environment has created a guidebook on fuel, equipment, installation, usage, etc. when using wood stoves.
 *Woody Biomass Stove Environment Guidebook (outside site) (Ministry of the Environment)

 If you have any problems with smoke from a wood stove in a nearby house, we ask that you discuss with the parties referring to the guidebook. If there is a situation where it is absolutely difficult to talk between the parties, Yokohama City visited a house using a wood stove, and at the entrance, consulted with the city hall from the neighborhood with smoke from a wood stove etc. Please tell us that and give consideration based on the guidebook.

(Atmosphere and Sound Environment Division Atmospheric Consultation Service: 045-671-2486)

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Inquiries to this page

Atmosphere and Sound Environment Division, Environmental Protection Department, Green Environment Bureau

Telephone: 045-671-2486

Telephone: 045-671-2486

Fax: 045-550-3923

Email address: mk-soudan@city.yokohama.lg.jp

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Page ID: 574-211-620

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