Criminal investigation launched against SABIC over PFAS dumping in Dutch surface water
The Public Prosecution Service (OM) has launched a criminal investigation into the chemical company SABIC in Bergen op Zoom. The company is suspected of illegally discharging PFBS into the Westerschelde and Theodorushaven, the OM announced on Wednesday.
The criminal investigation follows charges pressed by several organizations in February this year, including Stichting Gezond Water, the Stichting Wijkcommissie Noordgeest, the Stichting Duinbehoud, and the Stichting Instrepitus.
PFBS is a PFAS substance that can cause serious and permanent damage to the environment, putting people and the environment at risk. “Everyone has the right to a safe and healthy living environment. The OM takes the concerns of residents and other stakeholders regarding the health and living environment seriously,” the OM said.
In the coming period, the OM will investigate whether SABIC, and possibly also its executives, illegally or without a valid permit discharged harmful substances into surface water, or allowed this to happen.
The OM is getting help from multiple agencies, including the environmental team of the Zeeland-West-Brabant and the Rijkswaterstaat. The investigation will take some time, the OM said. “At the same time, given the potential consequences for people and the environment, the OM also recognizes the need to keep the investigation moving forward.”
The Dutch Public Prosecutor seems to have set its sights on Big Polluters. Earlier on Wednesday, the OM announced that it would criminally prosecute Tata Steel for “the intentional and unlawful release of harmful substances into the air,” potentially damaging public health. The OM is also investigating whether any Tata Steel executives are liable.
