除雪後の「雪」　深刻な「その後」　北海道ならでは“処理方法”…“マンゴー栽培”も【Jの追跡】(2023年2月19日)

Summary

The video script discusses the annual challenge faced by snow-prone regions, particularly focusing on Sapporo, a city known for its heavy snowfall. The primary issue is what to do with the massive amounts of snow cleared from roads during winter. The script highlights the problems caused by the lack of disposal sites for snow, leading to traffic accidents and logistical issues. Innovative solutions are explored, such as using the collected snow for cooling purposes in a mango cultivation project in Hokkaido, which turns a seasonal problem into a profitable venture by growing mangoes during the winter. Additionally, the script covers the city's efforts to manage the snow, including the use of specialized machinery and the construction of large snow storage facilities. The narrative also touches on the environmental impact of improperly disposing of snow and the economic and logistical challenges of snow removal, emphasizing the need for sustainable and creative solutions to this recurring issue.

Takeaways

• 🚜 The script discusses the use of snowplows for snow removal in snowy regions, highlighting the annual challenge of managing the large amounts of snow collected during snow removal operations.
• ❄️ In snow-prone areas, there is a significant issue with what to do with the snow that has been cleared from the roads, as there is often no place to dispose of it, leading to various problems.
• 🚗 The accumulation of snow can lead to traffic accidents and disasters, as the snow piled on the sides of the road can obstruct visibility and cause traffic congestion.
• 🏭 The script mentions an innovative approach in Hokkaido, where fruits, specifically mangoes, are being cultivated using the snow as a resource, demonstrating a potential solution to the problem of snow disposal.
• 🌞 The mango cultivation process, named "Hakugin no Taiyou" (Silver Sun), utilizes the cold environment provided by the winter snow to create a suitable growing condition for mangoes, which are typically a tropical fruit.
• 💧 The process of cultivating mangoes in Hokkaido involves using the collected snow to cool the greenhouses during the summer, and then using geothermal heat during the winter to maintain the temperature needed for the mangoes to grow.
• 🚚 The city of Sapporo has to manage a large volume of snow, with trucks transporting the snow to designated snow disposal sites, known as "sekibashira," or snow accumulation sites.
• 🏔️ These snow accumulation sites can store up to 250,000 tons of snow on a site that spans approximately 10,000 square meters, with the number of such sites increasing due to the heavy snowfall in recent years.
• 🚧 The disposal of snow is a significant logistical and financial challenge, with the city having to pay for the transportation and disposal of the snow, which is why finding ways to utilize the snow is of great interest.
• 🚯 The script warns against disposing of snow into rivers or waterways, as this can cause blockages and flooding, as seen in the case of an old sake brewery that was flooded due to excessive snowmelt.
• 🏗️ The city uses a variety of methods to manage the snow, including the use of specialized machinery to move and pile the snow, as well as facilities that can melt the snow using treated wastewater at a temperature of around 13°C.

Q & A

What is the main issue faced by snowplow services in snow countries every year?

The main issue faced by snowplow services in snow countries every year is how to handle and dispose of the large amounts of snow collected during snow removal operations.

What kind of problems can be caused by the snow that has been piled up along the roads after snow removal?

The piled-up snow along the roads can create snow walls that may lead to traffic accidents, hinder visibility at intersections, cause traffic congestion, and disrupt logistics.

What is the surprising sight that was discovered on the front line of countermeasures against snow disposal issues?

The surprising sight is the cultivation of mangoes in Hokkaido, using the collected snow as a resource, which is an unexpected use of snow in a cold region.

Why is it not advisable to dump the collected snow into rivers?

Dumping snow into rivers is not advisable because it can cause blockages, leading to water overflow and potential flooding, as seen in the case of an old sake brewery that suffered water damage due to this practice.

How is the collected snow from snow removal operations transported and stored in Sapporo city?

The collected snow is transported by trucks to various locations within Sapporo city. Some of it is taken to a large underground facility where it is melted using the heat from treated wastewater, while the majority is taken to snow accumulation sites, essentially snow disposal areas.

What is the capacity of the snow accumulation sites in Sapporo city?

The snow accumulation sites, also known as snow disposal areas, can accommodate up to 250,000 tons of snow on a site that covers an area of about 100,000 square meters.

How has the use of snow been innovatively utilized in agriculture in Hokkaido?

In Hokkaido, snow has been used to cultivate mangoes by employing the 'Shirogane no Taiyou' (Silver Sun) method, which involves using the cold from the snow to cool down greenhouses during the summer, allowing mangoes to grow in a region not typically known for tropical fruit production.

What is the economic benefit of growing mangoes in Hokkaido during winter?

The economic benefit of growing mangoes in Hokkaido during winter is significant, as the mangoes can fetch high prices due to their scarcity in the winter season, with each fruit potentially being worth over 30,000 yen.

What are the challenges associated with snow disposal in Sapporo city?

The challenges associated with snow disposal in Sapporo city include the high costs and labor involved, the limited space for snow accumulation sites, and the environmental impact of melting large volumes of snow.

How has the use of snow been optimized in the cultivation of mangoes in Hokkaido?

The use of snow has been optimized by using it to cool down greenhouses during the summer, which is a critical period for mango cultivation. In winter, when warmth is needed for the mangoes to ripen, hot springs are utilized to maintain the temperature, reducing energy costs.

What is the significance of the 'Shirogane no Taiyou' method in mango cultivation in Hokkaido?

The 'Shirogane no Taiyou' method is significant as it allows for the cultivation of mangoes in Hokkaido during winter, a time when they cannot be harvested in traditional mango-producing regions like Miyazaki Prefecture, thus creating a unique market for Hokkaido-grown mangoes.