Dutch prosecutors have announced that a criminal investigation has been launched into Tata Steel Ijmuiden, over alleged pollution from its steel works near the Dutch North Sea coast.
According to a report in UK newspaper The Independent, Tata Steel, international steel supplier and manufacturer has been accused by prosecutors of ‘‘intentional and unlawful introduction of hazardous substances into the soil, air or surface water.”
The investigation is also extended to Harsco Metals Holland, a company that also operates at the Tata Steel plant in the small village of Ijmuiden. Prosecutors will investigate the two companies and the roles of their leadership.
The announcement comes after a lawyer last year submitted complaints to prosecutors from some 800 people who live near the steel factory, The Independant reported.
“Exposure to the amounts of lead and PAH in the dust in the IJmond [region] is undesirable for the health of children.”
Dutch public health and environment institute
“Exposure to the amounts of lead and PAH [polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons] in the dust in the IJmond [region] is undesirable for the health of children,” the Dutch public health and environment institute said in a statement following samples being collected from the site
In a written statement following the prosecutors' announcement, Tata Steel pledged to cooperate with the investigation and said it is “looking forward to the results of the investigation with confidence.”
Source: The Independent