Mega Solar Farm Sparks Backlash Over Deforestation

CHIBA, Oct 03 (News On Japan) - Vast hillsides have been cleared for the construction of a large-scale solar power facility in Kamogawa, Chiba Prefecture, leaving piles of felled trees scattered across the slopes. The development covers approximately 146 hectares, or the size of 32 Tokyo Domes, and involves cutting down about 365,000 trees to make way for 470,000 solar panels.

Citizen groups opposing the project argue that Chiba Prefecture revised its development standards after granting approval in 2019, insisting the plan should be reassessed under the new rules. "All of this is based on the 2019 standards, which means it no longer meets current requirements. That alone should invalidate it," said Kunie Katsumata of the Kamogawa Mountains, Rivers and Sea Protection Association.

Chiba Prefecture has acknowledged that the developer is reviewing the plan and has issued 58 administrative guidance notices to date. These cover a wide range of requirements, including water quality inspections, submission of construction plans, and measures to prevent soil runoff.

Residential areas lie directly below the cleared slopes, raising concerns among locals. "If there’s a landslide, it could be disastrous. I don’t oppose solar power itself, but I do worry about how safety is being ensured," said one nearby resident. Others expressed frustration, claiming that prefectural guidance allows authorities to sidestep responsibility and calling for the project to be halted.

The developer is preparing a temporary storage site for the large volume of timber, while provisional fencing has been ordered to reduce the risk of debris flow until the site is complete. The company has stated on its website that sufficient safety measures are in place following inspections by prefectural officials, but it has offered little direct response to inquiries.

Chiba Prefecture has pledged to continue monitoring the project and providing advice and instructions to ensure the development proceeds appropriately and in compliance with regulations.

Source: FNN

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