Ordinance on the Shiribetsu River Environment Conservation
translated 2022/03/03
March on 2006, The Shiribetsu River Watershed Council: Rankoshi Town, Niseko Town, Kutchan Town, Makkari village, Kyogoku town, Kimobetsu Town and Rusutsu village.
The Shiribetsu River gathering many streams come from the extensive forest, flowing around the graceful Mt. Yotei and the grand Niseko mountains into the Japan Sea, and some clear rivers.
We have lived in this watershed and received endless blessings from its many rivers.
Rivers have provided us with endless blessings through their long history, nourishing the lives of the people living in their watersheds, supporting arable land, nurturing unique climates and cultures, and enriching and harmonizing our lives.
We, the residents of the seven towns and villages along the Shiribetsu River, have a mission to protect and nurture this beautiful and rich river environment as a precious common property, and to pass it on carefully so that future generations can enjoy its blessings.
We, the citizens of Shiribetsu River hereby enact this ordinance, determined to protect the beauty and richness of the Shiribetsu River system as a member of the seven towns and villages in the Shiribetsu River basin, by gathering the collective wisdom and power of the people.
Objective
Article 1
The purpose of this ordinance is to clarify the responsibilities of the town, residents, businesses, and river users with regard to the preservation of the river environment and the sound use of the river in this town, and to protect the beautiful and rich river that is the common property of the seven towns and villages in the Shiribetsu River basin by formulating plans and taking other measures in a comprehensive manner to create a good environment where the present and future residents can live in harmony with the river and lead a healthy and enriched life.
Basic Philosophy
Article 2
The preservation of the river environment must be promoted so that the rich and irreplaceable nature and the living environment can be harmonized and enriched.
2 Measures to preserve the river environment shall be in harmony with the various activities residents, flood control and water utilization, etc., to preserve good water quality for the future, and to create a rich and comfortable watershed environment.
3 In promoting measures to conserve the river environment, the participation, cooperation, and understanding of the citizens shall be based on their participation, cooperation, and understanding.
Definition
Article 3
In this Ordinance, the meanings of the terms listed in the following items shall be as prescribed respectively in those items.
(1) The seven towns and villages : The Shiribetsu River Watershed Council: Rankoshi Town, Niseko Town, Makkari Village, Rusutsu Village, Kimobetsu Town, Kyogoku Town, and Kutchan Town.
(2) Rivers: The all water streams and water surfaces, including the Shiribetsu River system, and other waterways used for public purposes, excluding public sewage systems and agricultural wastewater treatment facilities.
(3) Domestic wastewater: Water discharged as a result of residents' daily activities such as cooking, washing clothes, bathing, etc.
(4) Business wastewater: Water discharged as a result of the business activities of a business.
(5) Purification equipment, etc.: Equipment and devices that are effective in purifying domestic wastewater discharged into rivers.
(6) River user: A person who uses rivers for recreational purposes such as rafting, fishing, etc., for profit or not-for-profit.
Responsibilities of Local Government Administration
Article 4
The local government administration shall endeavor to implement comprehensive measures for the conservation of the river environment and the sound use of rivers.
Residents' Responsibilities
Article 5
Residents shall endeavor to preserve the river environment and to use the river in a sound manner, and shall cooperate with the measures implemented by the town.
Responsibilities of Operators and Users of Rivers
Article 6
Business operators and river users shall take necessary measures at their own responsibility and expense to ensure that the river environment is not damaged by their activities, and shall cooperate with the measures implemented by the Local Government.
Bilateral cooperation
Article 7
Local government administrations, residents, business operators, and river users shall cooperate with each other for the conservation of the river environment and sound use of the river.
Cooperation with related government agencies
Article 8
The local government administration shall cooperate with the river administrator and other river administrators regarding the preservation of the river environment and the sound use of the river, and as necessary, shall hold discussions at The Shiribetsu River Watershed Council and other meetings.
Environmental study, etc.
Article 9
The local government administration shall take necessary measures, including environmental education, to promote understanding of the conservation of the river environment and the sound use of rivers among town residents, business operators, and river users, and to motivate them to engage in such activities.
Treatment of domestic wastewater
Article 10
When residents intend to discharge domestic wastewater into a river, they must endeavor to purify the river by installing purification equipment, etc.
Proper use of detergents, etc.
Article 11
When using detergents, etc., residents must use them properly and strive to reduce the burden on the river environment.
Proper use of fertilizers, etc.
Article 12
When using fertilizers or agricultural chemicals, residents shall endeavor to use them properly and not to pollute the water quality of rivers.
Treatment of commercial wastewater
Article 13
When a business intends to discharge business wastewater into a river, the business must comply with the discharge standards set forth in the law.
Prohibition of dumping
Article 14
No person shall dump wastes, etc. into a river without good reason, thereby impeding the purification of the river and the preservation of the river environment.
Preservation of abundant clear streams
Article 15
In order to maintain the abundance of water and clearness of rivers, local government administrations, residents, and businesses shall strive to create diverse forests that are the source of such abundance, according to their respective roles.
Formation of a good landscape
Article 16
Municipal administrations, in cooperation with river administrators, etc., shall give consideration to good river scenery, and shall endeavor to take necessary measures such as river improvement.
Biodiversity Conservation
Article 17
Municipal administrations shall endeavor to conserve the breeding environment, promote educational activities, and take other necessary measures to support the rich diversity of living organisms in rivers. In this case, special consideration shall be given to the protection of rare species such as the Japanese huchen, the largest freshwater fish in Japan.
Promotion of water culture
Article 18
The municipal administration shall endeavor to appropriately preserve and hand down historical or cultural values related to rivers and water for the future, and to utilize them for cultural creation.
Guidance and advice
Article 19
The Mayer may provide necessary guidance and advice to residents, businesses and river users in order to achieve the objectives of this Ordinance.
Charge
Article 20
Matters necessary for the enforcement of this ordinance shall be determined separately by the Mayor.