site.btaAutomotive Components Producer Has One Production Line Shut Down Due to Air Pollution

Automotive Components Producer Has One Production Line Shut Down Due to Air Pollution

Sofia, September 23 (BTA) - The local environmental authorities
have ordered the Montupet automotive components producer in
Rousse, on the Danube, to shut down its aluminum parts line due
to air pollution, the Environment Ministry said Wednesday.

The company's line for cast aluminum parts will be sealed for as
 long as it takes to bring its operation in line with the
requirements of its Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control
permit. 

Montupet is held responsible for frequent air pollution in
Rousse, which has recently promoted protests by local people.
The company has categorically denied being the source of air
pollution, which it says is completely unrelated to its
operation but discredits the plant with the local people.

The Rousse Regional Environment and Water Inspectorate has
admitted that there was a second polluter responsible for the
offensive order which Rousse residents felt earlier in September
 but it has not been identified yet. According to the
Inspectorate, Montupet has already been fined 35,000 leva for
increased waste gas discharge rates and has promised to bring
its operation into conformity with the environmental protection
requirements.

Montupet is among the significant French investors in Bulgaria
and one of the biggest investors in Rousse. It started its
Bulgarian operation in 2008. In Rousse's Industrial Park, it
makes cylinder heads and chassis parts for Audi, BMW, Renault,
Ford and VOLVO and employs a staff of 842. It says it has
invested 100 million euro in buildings and equipment at its
30,000 sq m facility.

The facility that is blamed for the excessive gas emission will
be sealed on September 25 in the presence of Montupet officials.
 The order is appealable within 14 days before an administrative
 court but the appeal will not stay its enforcement.