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)

ANNnewsCH

19 Feb 202312:02

Summary

TLDRThe 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.

Outlines

00:00

🚜 Snow Removal Operations and Challenges

This paragraph discusses the annual snow removal operations in snowy regions and the challenges associated with disposing of the collected snow. It highlights the issues caused by snow, such as traffic accidents and disasters, and the difficulties faced by residents and authorities in finding a place to dispose of the snow. The video also covers the surprising sight of a fruit being grown in Hokkaido, which is typically not associated with fruit cultivation due to its cold climate.

05:02

🚨 Snow Disposal Hazards and Solutions

The second paragraph focuses on the hazards of improperly disposing of snow, such as water damage to a historic sake brewery due to water overflow from excessive snow. It mentions the city's request for residents not to dump snow into rivers to prevent water overflow. The paragraph then describes the use of a mechanical device called a rotary car to collect and transport the snow to a designated disposal site. It also introduces a large facility where snow is melted using treated wastewater at a temperature of around 13°C, which is a small part of the overall snow disposal process. Finally, it reveals the existence of a massive snow accumulation site, capable of holding up to 250,000 tons of snow, which has expanded due to the previous year's heavy snowfall.

10:04

🌞 Innovative Use of Snow for Mango Cultivation

The third paragraph introduces an innovative approach to using snow in agriculture. It tells the story of a farmhouse in Otofuke Town, located in the center of the Tokachi plain in Hokkaido, where mangoes are being cultivated using the snow as a cooling resource. The process, named 'Platinum Sun,' allows for the cultivation and winter shipment of mangoes, which is surprising given the region's cold climate. The snow is used to cool the greenhouse during the summer, while hot springs are used to maintain a warm temperature during the winter harvest season, resulting in significant cost savings. This innovative use of snow has made it possible to cultivate and ship mangoes during the winter, when traditional growing regions like Miyazaki Prefecture cannot.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Snow removal

Snow removal refers to the process of clearing snow from roads, pathways, or other surfaces to maintain accessibility and safety. In the video, snow removal is depicted as a significant annual challenge in snow-prone regions like Hokkaido, Japan. The script describes the use of snowplows and the formation of snow walls along roadsides after snow removal, which can lead to traffic congestion and accidents.

💡Snow disposal

Snow disposal involves determining how to handle and dispose of the snow collected during snow removal operations. In the script, the lack of space for snow disposal is highlighted as a problem, leading to concerns about creating dangerous snow walls along roadsides. Additionally, improper snow disposal, such as dumping snow into rivers, can result in flooding and other environmental hazards, as depicted in the case of a flooded sake brewery.

💡Snow accumulation site

A snow accumulation site is a designated area where snow collected during snow removal is temporarily stored before disposal. In the video, large snow accumulation sites, such as snow mountains or snow storage facilities, are shown as locations where snow is piled up and later transported for disposal. These sites play a crucial role in managing the volume of snow removed from urban areas.

💡Snow melting facility

A snow melting facility is a specialized infrastructure used to melt snow collected during snow removal operations. In the video, a snow melting facility is described as a place where snow is melted using wastewater or heated water, such as from sewage treatment plants. This process helps to reduce the volume of snow for disposal and prevents potential flooding or environmental damage caused by improper snow disposal.

💡Snow farming

Snow farming involves utilizing snow as a resource for various purposes, such as agriculture or energy production. In the video, snow farming is exemplified by a unique agricultural practice in Hokkaido, where snow is used to grow mangoes in greenhouses during the winter. By leveraging snow as a cooling agent and energy source, farmers can cultivate crops that would typically require warmer climates, demonstrating innovative snow utilization.

💡Cold storage farming

Cold storage farming refers to agricultural practices that utilize cold temperatures, such as those provided by snow or ice, to grow crops in controlled environments. In the video, cold storage farming is illustrated by the cultivation of mangoes in Hokkaido during the winter months. By maintaining a cold environment using snow and ice, farmers can simulate the conditions necessary for certain crops to thrive, enabling year-round cultivation.

💡Environmental impact

Environmental impact refers to the effects of human activities on the natural environment, including ecosystems, air quality, and water resources. In the video, improper snow disposal practices, such as dumping snow into rivers or waterways, are shown to have negative environmental impacts, such as flooding and contamination. Addressing the environmental impact of snow removal and disposal is essential for sustainable urban development.

💡Sustainable snow management

Sustainable snow management involves implementing practices and technologies to mitigate the environmental and social impacts of snow removal and disposal. In the video, sustainable snow management initiatives include the use of snow melting facilities to reduce snow volume and the adoption of cold storage farming techniques to utilize snow as a resource for agriculture. These approaches aim to minimize environmental damage while maximizing the benefits of snow.

💡Logistics

Logistics refers to the organization and coordination of resources, including transportation, storage, and distribution, to achieve efficient operations. In the context of snow removal, logistics play a crucial role in coordinating snow removal equipment, transporting snow to disposal sites, and managing the disposal process. The video highlights the logistical challenges associated with snow removal in urban areas.

💡Innovative solutions

Innovative solutions refer to novel approaches or technologies that address complex problems in creative ways. In the video, innovative solutions are showcased, such as cold storage farming techniques to grow crops in snowy environments and snow melting facilities to reduce the volume of snow for disposal. These solutions demonstrate the potential for technological innovation to improve snow management practices and mitigate the impacts of snow removal.

Highlights

Snow removal operations using snowplows are being conducted.

A major annual concern in snowy regions is the disposal of accumulated snow.

Residents of Sapporo face challenges due to continuously falling snow since January 2.

Sapporo, a city known for receiving up to 5 meters of snow, requires extensive snow removal to protect daily life.

Accidents and severe congestion occur due to snow walls formed along roads.

Visibility issues at intersections lead to dangerous driving conditions.

A narrow escape from a collision was captured in Niigata due to obscured sight lines caused by snow.

Authorities urge against dumping snow into rivers to prevent blockages and flooding.

A historical sake brewery flooded due to snow being dumped into a water channel, overwhelming it.

Snow is collected and transported to various locations by private contractors in Sapporo.

A giant underground facility melts snow using sewer treatment water at approximately 13°C.

Most snow ends up in vast snow storage sites, which can hold up to 2.5 million tons.

Snow is utilized for cooling greenhouses in Tokachi, enabling off-season mango cultivation.

The innovative project named 'Hakugin no Taiyo' (Silver Sun) uses snow as a cooling agent to grow mangoes.

Mangoes grown in Hokkaido during winter can fetch more than 30,000 yen each due to their rarity and timing.