News potato processing
Agristo factory in dispute by complaining neighbors
Potato processor Agristo has once again been convicted of causing noise and odor nuisance. The residents of the factory in Hulste (West Flanders) want the factory to be closed. The court will rule in May on a possible closure of the factory.
It has been known for some time that Agristo growing fast, but that the local residents are not always happy with the company. In May 2018, the company was fined more than €100.000 and Agristo was sentenced again on Monday 18 March. The company was fined €178.000; this for causing odor and noise nuisance and for operating the factory without a valid permit.
Not the first time
The above fine amount brings the total amount that Agristo has collected in fines in 3 years time to €400.000. The judge reports that Agristo is engaged in distortion of competition and shameless profit. that message felt.be Monday March 18.
The environmental permit that Agristo had has since been destroyed. A new environmental permit, which was issued by former minister Joke Schauvliege, has also been declared illegal by the court. This permit is required for further production. Koen van den Heuvel, Schauvliege's replacement, will determine at the end of this month whether a new permit will be issued.
A solution
Agristo wants to avoid closure of the factory and therefore says it will invest € 1,2 million in the factory in Hulste; for example, a meter high chimney would have to be installed (with an afterburner), which would remove the odor nuisance. In addition, it has applied for a new environmental permit, allowing it to implement the new investments.
Anne-Jan Doorn
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