Pollution Concerns at Hvalur Whale Plant: Authorities Cite Unacceptable Standards

Environmental authorities in Iceland have deemed the pollution control measures at Hvalur hf.'s whale processing plant in Hvalfjörður "unacceptable." The West Iceland Environmental Health Surveillance is scrutinizing the plant's operations, particularly concerning potential surface pollution from whale fat in the fjord. The surveillance has initiated a review, and coercive actions, such as daily fines or license revocation, are being considered.

The plant's operating license, issued in 2024 for a two-year term, mandates improvements to its pollution control systems. However, these improvements have not yet been made, despite the license expiring in just ten days. The process of rendering whale meat involves boiling bones and other parts, producing 54 cubic meters of wastewater containing significant amounts of whale fat. This wastewater must pass through a grease trap to filter out the fat before being discharged into the sea.

According to the surveillance, the wastewater is discharged at 80 degrees Celsius, meaning the fat remains in liquid form, making it difficult for the current grease trap to effectively capture. Although the grease trap was renewed in 2024, the operating license stipulated that a better solution for wastewater disposal or improved grease traps must be found and approved by the environmental health authorities within the license period.

Hvalur hf. director Kristján Loftsson reportedly received a reminder letter on May 11 regarding these issues, but no action appears to have been taken. "We consider this unacceptable, that pollution controls are not adequately maintained, even though two years have been given to address this," stated Þorsteinn Narfason, the surveillance's director. He added that the authorities had suggested alternative uses for the wastewater, such as for land reclamation or potentially animal feed, but no solution has been implemented, nor has any attempt been reported.

Recent notifications, including photos and videos, show surface pollution in the fjord over a two-day period, beginning shortly after whale processing commenced. The environmental health surveillance is investigating these reports, highlighting the ongoing concerns about the plant's environmental impact.

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We consider this unacceptable, that pollution controls are not adequately maintained, even though two years have been given to address this.