Tata Steel is set to face a criminal probe in Netherlands over the release of ‘hazardous’ pollutants. Tata said it will comply with the prosecutor’s office and is looking forward to the investigation’s findings.
The Dutch public health agency discovered higher quantities of metals and carcinogens surrounding Tata Steel’s IJmuiden factory than the company’s own statistics, prompting a criminal investigation.
The Public Prosecution Service announced on Wednesday that it is investigating Tata and Harsco Metals Holland BV for introducing hazardous substances into the soil, air, or surface water with the intent to harm. This would be harmful to the public’s health and the executives’ possible involvement in the corporations will also be investigated, according to the report.
The case may be closely studied by the rest of the European steel sector, as it may draw attention to more operations. Traditional steelmaking requires a lot of coal, which is the worst fossil fuel, and a lot of chemicals, therefore pollution of the environment is nearly inescapable.
The investigation could also provide more motivation to switch steelmaking facilities to more environmentally friendly methods. It is challenging to decarbonize this industry, which accounts for around 7% of global carbon emissions. Because of the size of the investments needed, European governments have offered public funds to assist firms in cleaning up their factories.
Tata said it will comply with the prosecutor’s office and is looking forward to the investigation’s findings. Harsco did not respond to a request for comment right away.
Tata recently revealed plans to convert the IJmuiden steelworks to run on hydrogen in September. It has insisted on government assistance to help bear the financial burden thus far.
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Tata Steel and the Dutch regulators ‘eat dinner together’. I’m sure justice will be done, errh, pockets be filled.