The PFOS that ended up in the wastewater of the Antwerp chemical company Evonik must come from the extinguishing foam that was used until 2008, the company believes.
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Evonik Antwerp is thus responding to the allegations of the environmental organization Bond Beter Leefmilieu, which is appealing the new permit that the company has received from the Antwerp deputation.
Evonik always complies strictly and consistently with the environmental conditions imposed, the company responds, now that it has gained more insight into the objections of the BBL. And the company denies that PFOS is used in the manufacturing process. It is possible, however, that extinguishing foam ended up in the wastewater due to rain infiltration, dock water and drainage. But Evonik switched to foams without PFOS as early as 2008.
Evonik also refers to the stricter conditions imposed by the Antwerp deputation. They reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by 14 percent. Further declines are still being studied. It is precisely the fact that a study is sufficient that meets with criticism.
According to deputy Luk Lemmens (N-VA), the ministerial instruction of Minister of the Environment Zuhal Demir (N-VA) was followed with the permit. He points out that the BBL has not submitted any objections to the granting of the permit.
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