In implementing the Chuo Shinkansen project, it is important to pay full consideration to environmental conservation. JR Central makes utmost efforts to avert or mitigate any environmental impact.

In June 2011, in commencing environmental impact assessment, JR Central determined the approximate route and station locations for this project with the aim of averting and mitigating any environmental impact in line with the purpose of the "Amendment to the Environmental Impact Assessment Act," which had yet to be enforced at that stage, ahead of other similar projects. JR Central compiled and released the Environmental Impact Statement during the planning stage as Japan's first case, demonstrating our strong awareness of the importance of environmental conservation.

Environmental impact assessment was carried out, actively incorporating the latest established methods, to examine recent case studies including the cases of Seibi Shinkansen, and cover a comprehensive range of assessment items including matters specific to the Chuo Shinkansen, such as magnetic fields. JR Central also gave careful consideration to the opinions of local Governors, compiled from deliberations at their respective prefectures' Environmental Affairs Councils, and the opinions of the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism in the interim Environmental Impact Statement. JR Central published the final Environmental Impact Statement in August 2014.

• Main procedures of environmental
  impact assessment for
  the Chuo Shinkansen Project