3M is committed to the separation of wastewater treatment

For at least ten years, and possibly even nearly twenty years, FBSA (or PFBSA, the successor to PFOS) has been released during chemical processes at the 3M site in Zwijndrecht. health risks forchemical forever So big that a 3M producer has to do it right away to stand With sewage discharge.

Flemish Environment Minister Saturn Demir (N-VA) announced Friday that the 3M Environment Inspectorate is prohibiting the removal of process water from PFBSA-containing operations to its water treatment plant. 3M must “treat the process water using the best available technology” and must not start operations without giving two weeks’ notice for inspection. The company shall also keep a detailed inventory of the quantities of process water being produced and collected for the duration of each production cycle of the respective processes.

3 million response: “No risk”

On Friday, a 3M spokesperson declined to comment on the sewage discharge ban. There was a response yesterday. The chemical company in Zwijndrecht announced that it had received the safety measures imposed. “We are committed to implementing these measures without delay. However, we maintain the position that our business operations do not pose any risk to the environment,” he added.

In a press release, the company confirmed that the sewage treatment system has been improved. We take samples regularly to further test the effectiveness. We reiterate that we continue to invest in the latest technology for water purification. 3M will continue to work closely with all relevant authorities and keep them informed of all improvements to the water treatment plant and production operations. “

According to Demir, safety measures will remain in place until 3M can demonstrate that it has taken the necessary steps to reduce the presence of PFBSA, MeFBSA and MeFBSAA substances at the company’s site to an “acceptable level.”

I mentioned last week VTM News Based on a note from the Health and Welfare Agency that 3M produces harmful FBSA, but has never applied for a license to do so.