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Dutch prosecutors on Wednesday opened a felony investigation into Tata Metal for alleged “intentional and illegal” air pollution from its enormous steelworks close to Amsterdam.
Prosecutors stated in a press release that the “introduction of hazardous substances into the air, soil and floor water,” by Tata’s plant within the port city of Ijmuiden “might probably place the general public’s well being at risk.”
The probe additionally targets Harsco Metals Holland, which operates on Tata Metal’s premises.
In response to the announcement, Tata stated in a press release that it will cooperate with the probe and was “trying ahead to the outcomes of the investigation with confidence.”
Why was the probe launched?
Prosecutors determined to open an investigation after a lawyer final yr submitted complaints from round 800 individuals who stay close to the metal manufacturing facility.
“On the finish of the investigation an announcement will observe whether or not the Tata inquiry will result in prosecutions,” prosecutors stated.
Residents within the space have lengthy voiced well being issues in regards to the mud launched by the plant.
A report launched final month by the Dutch Public Well being and Setting Institute discovered that Tata was the primary supply of PAH air pollution, or polycyclic fragrant hydrocarbons, and steel air pollution within the Ijmuiden area.
In accordance with the Facilities for Illness Management, PAH pollution are generated primarily by burning natural supplies akin to coal, oil and gasoline. Lengthy-term publicity might result in most cancers and different sicknesses.
An extended historical past of steelmaking
Tata, considered one of Europe’s greatest metal producers, acquired the Ijmuiden plant in 2007. It instantly employs round 9,000 staff, lots of whom stay close by.
Steelmaking within the city dates again to 1918 when the Royal Dutch Blast Furnaces established a plant there.
As we speak, the large steelworks is likely one of the largest CO2 emitters within the Netherlands, in accordance with Dutch emission authorities.
nm/sms (AP, AFP)
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