Okinawa Defense Bureau releases report expressing doubt over Henoko construction site being over active fault line and on weak ground

Okinawa Defense Bureau releases report expressing doubt over Henoko construction site being over active fault line and on weak ground

The ocean region around Camp Schwab


 

March 7, 2018 Ryukyu Shimpo

By Ikue Nakaima

 

A report by the Okinawa Defense Bureau (ODB) obtained March 6, detailing the results of a geological survey conducted on the undersea portion of the area designated for new base construction in Henoko, Nago, clearly indicated the possibility that the two fault lines in the undersea area to be filled, the Henoko and Sukku faults, are active.

“The analysis of the lineation suggests the faults could be active,” the report reads. The report also indicates that the seafloor near the C1 seawall, “comprises sediment that is extremely loose and soft,” and “there needs to be an investigation into its stability for construction as well as the sinking or liquefaction of the foundation.”

So far, the Japanese government has claimed that the existence of active faults, “is not confirmed,” however, a similar study conducted by the government indicated problems of active faults and foundation weakness, bringing to the forefront the safety concerns surrounding the new base construction in Henoko.

 

The report by the ODB was obtained by Tsuyoshi Kitaueda on March 6.

The report clearly details a deep valley-like depression in the area from the C1-C3 seawalls, “are confirmed to have an uncharacteristic geography and sedimentation that was not initially predicted.”

 

Furthermore, many places of the foundation were given a “zero” on the hardness scale, indicating a weak foundation. The active faults are areas where earthquakes are prone to happen.

 

(English translation by T&CT and Sam Grieb)

 

Go to Japanese


　


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