Toxic fumes, noxious odor from Lelystad asphalt plant drive record number of complaints
For more than a decade, residents in nearby neighborhoods and environmental groups have been battling the Van der Lee asphalt plant on the Oostervaart industrial site over toxic emissions and a strong, foul odor.
Some people have reported having physical symptoms, including nausea, headaches, and eye irritation. In 2025, complaints about the plant’s smell have reached record levels, Omroep Flevoland reported.
Emissions from the plant reportedly contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), chemicals that can be carcinogenic at high concentrations. Some measurements have reportedly shown levels up to 20 times above legal limits.
The plant has produced asphalt for road construction for decades. Residents in affected neighborhoods such as Buitenhof and De Landerijen say the bitter, tar-like smell spreads through the streets on warm days, infiltrating gardens and homes alike.
According to the Flevoland & Gooi and Vechtstreek Environmental Agency (OFGV), which oversees the plant on behalf of the province, a total of 1,095 complaints have been filed since 2021. The OFGV is responsible for enforcing regulations when limits are exceeded.
Complaint numbers show no sign of falling: 104 in 2021, 214 in 2022, 198 in 2023, 181 in 2024, and 398 so far this year. Earlier reports noted dozens of complaints each week. The company has faced multiple fines —twice last year and twice this year —each violation carrying a 5,000 euros penalty.
“I don’t let my child play outside when the smell is in the air. Then we go inside and close windows, doors, and vents,” said Isabel Cohen, a Buitenhof resident, to Omroep Flevoland.
“You smell it at least once a week, usually more. I’m worried about what it does to our health. My eyes are irritated, I get headaches. By the end of the day, I feel nauseous or have, for example, irritated airways,” Cohen added.
The OFGV says it investigates every complaint and enforces regulations as needed, but residents describe the response as slow and insufficient.
The environmental group Mobilization for the Environment (MOB), which won a lawsuit against the plant two years ago, says the province has increased oversight since the ruling. However, MOB notes that the company continues to resist and challenge regulatory decisions.
A spokesperson for the plant responded to the surge in complaints. "Addressing individual situations can be very challenging, but that does not mean we take complaints lightly. We are in active dialogue with the Environmental Agency and local residents."
"Our asphalt plant in Lelystad has operated for decades, and during that time we have carried out multiple modernizations. These investments were made to improve asphalt quality, produce asphalt more sustainably, and comply with evolving regulations," the spokesperson told Omroep Flevoland.
"We regularly have our emissions checked by an independent testing agency to ensure compliance with current regulations. Depending on wind direction, neighbors may sometimes smell asphalt production, and we understand this causes concern," the spokesperson continued.
"We continue to engage with residents and the Environmental Agency and aim to develop a concrete solution to address their concerns. However, this process is complex and cannot be resolved immediately. We are not yet able to provide detailed technical specifics," the spokesperson added.
