Japan’s Fukuoka Airport shelled out over $7.7 million in 2022 to tackle soil contamination linked to a former U.S. military base, according to a Mainichi report. The cleanup followed alarming levels of benzene and lead detected along the site’s fuel pipeline—raising eyebrows about the environmental footprint of overseas military operations. 💔
Inspections by Japan’s land ministry from 2015 to 2021 revealed benzene concentrations 1,800 times above safety limits and lead levels 2.3 times higher than allowed. The toxic remnants, traced to the Hakata Ward base site, highlight long-standing concerns over pollution at U.S. facilities in Japan. 🏗️
While the hefty price tag underscores Japan’s push for accountability, critics argue the U.S. should share cleanup costs. The debate adds fuel to ongoing discussions about military base relocations and environmental responsibility. 💬
