WASHハウス's A location has reportedly affected nearby residents through late-night noise, large amounts of dust and strong odors. A gas meter at the location, which uses commercial gas cylinders, has also reportedly displayed a warning for a minor gas leak. The outdoor unit is said to have been relocated following guidance from the local authorities.
A nearby resident, identified as Mr. B, says he has been troubled by the A location for many years, alleging that noise from the outdoor air-conditioning unit, large amounts of dust and the strong smell of detergent enter the area around his home at all hours, including late at night and early in the morning. The location is said to operate 24 hours a day, and the A location is reportedly operated on the same basis.
According to an email from Mr. B, the gas meter at the A location, which uses large commercial propane cylinders, has repeatedly displayed a warning indicating a minor gas leak. The warning reportedly remained displayed after an inspection, and the location is said to have continued to be listed as "temporarily closed" on the website. Photographs were also attached, and verification of the facts is being sought.
According to the local government's pollution consultation office, the possibility that the air-conditioning noise violated nighttime regulations was raised, but WASHハウス explained that the cause of the noise was "sound reflecting off the wall of the storage shed." The outdoor unit was ultimately relocated following administrative guidance. A follow-up report is scheduled to appear in the December issue, according to the article.