The North Sea Canal Area Environmental Service has taken new measures to ensure Tata Steel complies with regulations. The environmental agency threatens fines totaling nearly 27 million euros and potential steps leading to the closure of one factory in IJmuiden if emissions are not reduced.
Both the regulator and Tata Steel have been in a legal dispute over emissions reduction. Measurements have shown that two coke gas plants exceed emission standards, emitting “very concerning substances” like heavy metals.
Tata Steel contests the accuracy of these measurements. The company has eight weeks to address the violations.
Additionally, the regulator has advanced a procedure that could revoke Coke Gas Plant 2’s permit, following a warning in October. Tata Steel has twelve months to comply, needing a plan within six weeks, or the permit revocation process will commence.
Losing the permit would force Tata Steel to purchase natural gas and coke, negatively impacting their financial position. Tata Steel disputes the basis of the decision, claiming progress in improvements and questioning the measurement methods.
Source: NOS