The fact that the area around the 3M site in Zwijndrecht was polluted with the chemical PFOS until 2002 was previously revealed during the Oosterweel works. But last week it turned out that the company still discharges a similar substance into the water, FBSA. Because 3M does not have a permit for this, it was not checked and the pollution slipped between the meshes of the net.
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Today, the company has to account for this in a hearing of the Environmental Inspectorate, which falls under the competence of Flemish Minister for the Environment Zuhal Demir (N-VA). Previously, 3M received a reminder to provide a complete overview of ‘all substances that are produced and/or discharged and their harmfulness’. That overview had to be at the inspection on Monday evening. Last Thursday, inspectors also took additional samples in the water in connection with the FBSA contamination.
The Flemish government has been told that today’s hearing is not without obligation. If the company does not provide clarity, this could lead to additional measures and even to a judicial investigation.
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