GKN Fokker Aerospace discharged too many hazardous substances into the sewer in Hoogeveen last year. In any case, it concerns the carcinogenic chromium-6, reports the municipality of Hoogeveen.
“Because this involved process water in which several substances can occur, it cannot be completely ruled out that other substances of very high concern were also present,” the municipality of Hoogeveen said. “We do not know which substances are involved. Research shows that this has not posed any risks to residents or employees.”
The aircraft parts manufacturer has a permit to discharge substances into the sewer. Things went wrong in October 2024, the municipality reports. “In a short period of time, a larger quantity of substances was discharged into the municipal sewer than permitted within the permit. These are substances that fall under the heading of Substances of Very High Concern (ZZS), for which strict standards apply.”
The aircraft manufacturer says it discovered the problem itself and reported it. Furthermore, the company does not want to say much about the case. After the report, investigations were carried out. The municipality noted that neither the environment nor sewer employees were at risk. “They would have been informed immediately if there were any risks to residents or businesses.”
Because there was no ‘acute or lasting’ threat, the authorities did not make it public earlier. The municipality is now doing so after Dagblad van het Noorden requested documents.
Hoogeveen writes in a letter to the municipal council that a supervision and enforcement process has been started. This examines whether Fokker is now adhering to the rules, and if this does not happen, this can lead to warnings and fines.
That process is still ongoing. “In the coming months, further steps will be taken to fully complete this process and to ensure that Fokker meets the legal requirements and internal safety standards.”
In the meantime, Fokker’s permit is also being examined. The focus is on reducing the use of Substances of Very High Concern such as chromium-6.
The aviation industry has been trying to reduce the use of the hazardous substance as much as possible for some time. The product is used to prevent rust on aircraft, especially on older aircraft.
People who work with chromium-6 must do so well protected. Inhaling, ingesting or getting the substance on the skin can have health consequences. According to the Labor Inspectorate, in the short term it can lead to serious lung diseases such as asthma. In the long term it can lead to cancer or have adverse effects on reproduction.
The toxic substance has previously been a point of controversy in Drenthe. For example, Defense used it in the former NATO depot in Coevorden. Dozens of people subsequently became seriously ill.
The drug has also been used at other Defense locations in the Netherlands and personnel became ill. About 800 unemployed people who went to work at the NS subsidiary NedTrain in Tilburg in the past were eligible for the substance. Fines were handed out to the municipality of Tilburg and NedTrain at the time.