Report: Japan allocates $7.7 million towards addressing U.S. pollution at Fukuoka base

Local authorities at Japan's Fukuoka Airport spent approximately 1.14 billion yen (over $7.7 million) in fiscal year 2022 for soil contamination countermeasures at the site of the former U.S. military base, daily newspaper The Mainichi reported on Tuesday. 

A large amount of benzene and lead were detected along the fuel transportation pipeline from the former U.S. military base area at Fukuoka Airport's site in Hakata Ward, Fukuoka City, according to an inspection conducted by Japan's land ministry and other organizations from 2015 to 2021.

The inspection found benzene levels up to 23 times of Japan's national standard and lead levels 6.2 times up. The total contaminated area is 3,706 square meters.

The Fukuoka Airport was requisitioned by the U.S. military in October 1945 and became its Itazuke Air Base. Most of it was returned in 1972. While there is a principle of "polluter pays" for environmental contamination, the Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement demands that the United States is not obligated to restore facilities or provide compensation when returning facilities or areas, The Mainichi reported.