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Steam Eruption In Rankoshi At Mitsui Geothermal Research Area

By 30th June 2023July 3rd, 2023Environment News, Niseko News
Niseko Chise Geothermal Eruption 02
NISEKO NEWS
Photos Aaron Jamieson

On 29 June, a steam eruption reaching about 100m high rattled nerves in Rankoshi, a town next to Niseko.

 

The eruption happened in the Geothermal Research Area of the Mitsui Oil Exploration Co. (MOECO) at around 11.30am and continued through the evening.

Niseko Geothermal Project 1
MOECO Rankoshi Geothermal Research Area Archive Photo

The eruption was of particular concern to nearby onsen (hot spring) facilities but a town warning in the mid afternoon of the same day reported that no toxic gases were thought to be emitted and the onsen facilities continued to operate normally.

Farmers, though, were advised by the town to temporarily refrain from using the river, prompting some calls for an investigation into the specific composition of the steam.

No injuries or damage was reported.

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