Flanders is tightening the rules for the chemical company 3M that discharges the carcinogenic substance pfas into the Scheldt. There is great indignation in Zeeland about this discharge and today the Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management Barbara Visser and the Flemish Minister of Environment Zuhal Demir held a summit on the issue.
At the end of October, the Belgian company 3M must meet stricter conditions, Demir promised after the consultation. “The permit will be strict. We don’t want to take any risks with health and the environment.” She did not say exactly how much less pfas may be discharged in the future. That is still being worked out.
Concern
The past few months have been a tough diplomatic riot originated between Zeeland and Flanders. The Zeelanders have been around longer Worried about the unknown amount of hazardous substances that flow from Belgium to the Western Scheldt in the Netherlands. They want clarity about the consequences for nature and health.
This summer it turned out that the American chemical group 3M had received a ‘perpetual environmental permit’ in the port of Antwerp to discharge the substance fbsa. This substance falls under the group of poly and perfluoroalkyl or pfas substances.
license
The anger of Zeeland politicians increased further when it turned out that the Flemish government had never informed the Dutch government about the license in question for 3M. The Flemish minister Demir denied this, but promised to talk to Zeeland.
A meeting in The Hague followed today. There is no longer any question of a perpetual permit. In just a few weeks, 3M will have to discharge less chemical waste. Dutch minister Visser is satisfied with the Flemish commitment. “We are reassured. My colleague has said clearly that action will be taken immediately.”
Demir is also relieved about the improved relationship. “I love the Netherlands. You are great neighbors. This is a joint file.” Of the diplomatic row, she says: “It’s a shame it didn’t go so well.”
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