SynopsisAn investigation by Platform Investico and Het Financieele Dagblad reveals that at least 12 major industrial companies, including Tata Steel, Shell, and Dow, are discharging toxic substances into already heavily polluted waters, in violation of European water directives. These companies have outdated permits, have skipped mandatory environmental assessments, or fail water quality tests. Experts warn that these permits are legally vulnerable. For instance, Tata Steel's mercury discharge is affecting the North Sea Canal's water quality. While some companies are taking corrective actions, the challenge of meeting water quality standards by 2027 remains, reports NL TimesArticleA joint investigation by Platform Investico and Het Financieele Dagblad has revealed that several major industrial companies, including Tata Steel, Shell, and Dow, are discharging toxic substances into waters that are already heavily polluted, in clear violation of European water directives.The investigation found that these 12 companies have permits that are outdated, have not conducted mandatory environmental assessments, or do not comply with water quality tests. Trouw and De Groene Amsterdammer also reported on this investigation, shedding light on the concerning practices of these companies.Experts have raised concerns about the vulnerability of these permits and their potential to be challenged in court due to non-compliance with environmental regulations.For example, Tata Steel IJmuiden's discharge of mercury into the North Sea Canal has resulted in a deterioration of water quality in that area. Similarly, the Rotterdam paint company Tronox is impacting the Nieuwe Waterweg in a similar manner. Dow's discharges have led to excessive zinc entering the Westerschelde, despite receiving a permit from Rijkswaterstaat.Tata Steel acknowledged that its current operations do not meet mercury requirements and plans to address this through the construction of a new plant called Combi BIO.Shell stated that it is working with Rijkswaterstaat to update its water permit and will consider the tightened mercury discharge standard.Dow claimed it has made significant efforts to reduce zinc discharge and aims to be fully compliant with European water directives by 2027.The investigation highlights that the Netherlands is struggling to meet water quality standards set by the European Union under the Water Framework Directive. Despite efforts to protect surface water, groundwater, and nature, it appears unlikely that the country will meet these requirements by 2027. Surface water in the Netherlands currently falls far short of established standards.ConclusionThe revelation of major companies violating European water directives by discharging toxic substances into already polluted waters raises significant environmental and legal concerns. While some companies are taking steps to address these issues, the challenge of achieving water quality standards by 2027 remains a pressing issue.
SynopsisAn investigation by Platform Investico and Het Financieele Dagblad reveals that at least 12 major industrial companies, including Tata Steel, Shell, and Dow, are discharging toxic substances into already heavily polluted waters, in violation of European water directives. These companies have outdated permits, have skipped mandatory environmental assessments, or fail water quality tests. Experts warn that these permits are legally vulnerable. For instance, Tata Steel's mercury discharge is affecting the North Sea Canal's water quality. While some companies are taking corrective actions, the challenge of meeting water quality standards by 2027 remains, reports NL TimesArticleA joint investigation by Platform Investico and Het Financieele Dagblad has revealed that several major industrial companies, including Tata Steel, Shell, and Dow, are discharging toxic substances into waters that are already heavily polluted, in clear violation of European water directives.The investigation found that these 12 companies have permits that are outdated, have not conducted mandatory environmental assessments, or do not comply with water quality tests. Trouw and De Groene Amsterdammer also reported on this investigation, shedding light on the concerning practices of these companies.Experts have raised concerns about the vulnerability of these permits and their potential to be challenged in court due to non-compliance with environmental regulations.For example, Tata Steel IJmuiden's discharge of mercury into the North Sea Canal has resulted in a deterioration of water quality in that area. Similarly, the Rotterdam paint company Tronox is impacting the Nieuwe Waterweg in a similar manner. Dow's discharges have led to excessive zinc entering the Westerschelde, despite receiving a permit from Rijkswaterstaat.Tata Steel acknowledged that its current operations do not meet mercury requirements and plans to address this through the construction of a new plant called Combi BIO.Shell stated that it is working with Rijkswaterstaat to update its water permit and will consider the tightened mercury discharge standard.Dow claimed it has made significant efforts to reduce zinc discharge and aims to be fully compliant with European water directives by 2027.The investigation highlights that the Netherlands is struggling to meet water quality standards set by the European Union under the Water Framework Directive. Despite efforts to protect surface water, groundwater, and nature, it appears unlikely that the country will meet these requirements by 2027. Surface water in the Netherlands currently falls far short of established standards.ConclusionThe revelation of major companies violating European water directives by discharging toxic substances into already polluted waters raises significant environmental and legal concerns. While some companies are taking steps to address these issues, the challenge of achieving water quality standards by 2027 remains a pressing issue.
