Scandalous: Fetus-harming chemicals found in water near Hungarian battery plant

A fetus-damaging NMP solvent, which is also used for battery production, was found in the municipal sewage system of the Samsung battery plant in Göd, Greenpeace informed, following a response letter from the Duna Menti Regionális Vízmű Plc. (Danube Inshore Regional Waterworks).

Samsung battery plant in Göd violates regulations – again

Samsung plant in Göd, Hungary. Photo: lanterv.hu

In February, the environmental organisation took samples of water from a large spillage of NMP solvents on the land near the Samsung battery plant in Göd. However, it was not known at the time whether the spill was communal or industrial wastewater, Népszava writes.

Laboratory analysis of the samples revealed the presence of a significant amount of NMP solvent, 200 micrograms per litre, and Greenpeace has submitted a data request to the authorities.

The authorities have not sent a substantive response to date, but the Duna Menti Regionális Vízmű Plc. sent Greenpeace the following:

“On 21 February 2024, a blockage occurred in the Göd public sewerage network […], which carries social wastewater from the Göd factory, caused by sewage pollutants of unknown origin. As a result of the blockage, urban wastewater of municipal origin was discharged at the ‘Bócsa roundabout’ in Göd, which also leaked into the field area adjacent to the roundabout. There was no pipe breakage during the incident in question.”

The Samsung battery plant in Göd. Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Simon Gergely, Greenpeace Hungary’s chemical expert, said that they demand that the authority investigate this case, take legal action against the pollution, launch an investigation into whether this pollution continues and take immediate steps to prevent similar irregular releases from happening in the future.

Greenpeace has also launched a national petition. They demand the following:

1. The authorities should take strict and effective action to guarantee the pollution-free operation of battery plants in our country.
2. Develop a strategic environmental assessment showing the environmental impacts of battery industry plants.
3. As long as these conditions are not met, no new battery installations should be allowed in our country, nor should existing ones be expanded.

Read also:

• Revolting: Samsung factory in Hungary could be closed immediately under new court order
• Expansion plans for potentially harmful battery plant fly under the radar in Hungary

Featured image: depositphotos.com