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🇧🇪 Belgium /Environment & Climate

Dutch steel giant Tata Steel to be prosecuted for deliberate pollution

From VRT NWS · () Dutch

Translated from Dutch, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Dutch prosecutors are criminally prosecuting steel giant Tata Steel for intentionally releasing harmful substances into the air.
  • The company faces charges for allegedly poor maintenance, operating without proper permits, and failing to report incidents of 'unripe coke' production.
  • Tata Steel acknowledges incidents but calls the prosecution unnecessary, stating it has improved processes and aims to be a good neighbor.

Dutch prosecutors have initiated criminal proceedings against the steel giant Tata Steel, alleging the company intentionally released harmful substances into the air, impacting the health of local residents. The Public Prosecution Service stated that the company's factories were poorly maintained and sometimes operated without the correct permits. Furthermore, Tata Steel is accused of producing 'unripe coke' during its manufacturing processes, a byproduct of coal heating, and failing to report these incidents.

After reviewing the dossier, there are enough leads to initiate criminal prosecution against the company.

— The Public Prosecution ServiceAnnouncing the decision to prosecute Tata Steel.

The investigation began in early 2022 following a complaint filed by a lawyer on behalf of 800 local residents who accused the company of deliberately emitting dangerous substances and causing health damage. After reviewing the case file, prosecutors found sufficient grounds to proceed with criminal charges against the company. A preliminary court hearing is scheduled for November 20 at the Amsterdam court. The prosecution is also examining whether company directors could be held personally liable.

We acknowledge that there were incidents with 'unripe coke,' which caused a short-term peak emission.

— Tata SteelResponding to accusations of emission incidents.

Tata Steel acknowledged that incidents involving 'unripe coke' occurred, leading to short-term emission spikes. The company described these occurrences as "technically unavoidable" given the scale of its operations. It asserts that it has adjusted its processes in recent years and is committed to being a "good neighbor," striving to minimize its environmental impact. Tata Steel considers the criminal case "unnecessary."

The company makes a strong case that it wants to be a good neighbor to the residents and has every intention to reduce the impact on the environment as much as possible.

— Tata SteelStating its commitment to environmental responsibility.

This legal action follows a previous penalty, where a Dutch environmental agency fined Tata Steel €8.5 million in April for exceeding emission limits for harmful substances. This record fine underscores the ongoing environmental concerns surrounding the company's operations in the Netherlands.

Tata Steel had to pay several high fines in recent years, but the 8.5 million is a record.

— NOS (Dutch public broadcaster)Reporting on a previous fine imposed on Tata Steel.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by VRT NWS in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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