Overview
- GPS checks by Hokkaido and Kushiro officials found 0.86 hectares of forest had been worked, exceeding the 0.5-hectare permit threshold that the developer never sought.
- The prefecture will follow the verbal stop with a written order, question the company about the violation, and issue a formal stern warning.
- The Osaka-based developer acknowledged it erred and said it will stop work in the forested area as construction proceeds in non-forested zones.
- The site lies near the Kushiro Wetland in habitat used by the red-crowned crane, prompting concerns over impacts on wildlife.
- After a visit by the Environment Ministry’s wildlife chief, the mayor asked for national law changes to curb installations outside designated promotion areas and to address panel disposal.