Italy chemical plant execs jailed for pollution – France 24

Conviction of Executives for PFAS Contamination in Italy

Overview of the Case

Eleven executives from companies including Japan’s Mitsubishi and Luxembourg-based International Chemical Investors (ICIG) were convicted for contaminating nearly 200 square kilometres (77 square miles) of drinking water and soil through the Miteni plant located in Trissino, northeastern Italy.

The court handed down prison sentences ranging from two years and eight months up to 17 years for two executives of the now-defunct Italian firm Miteni. Four other defendants were acquitted.

Background on PFAS Pollution

• PFAS Definition: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of over 10,000 synthetic chemicals known for repelling heat, water, oil, and stains.
• Usage: Developed in the 1940s, PFAS are still used in products such as nonstick pans and stain-proof carpets.
• Health Risks: PFAS exposure is linked to hormonal disruption, immune suppression, and cancers.
• Environmental Persistence: Their strong carbon-fluorine bonds take millennia to break down, causing long-term environmental contamination.

Details of the Contamination Incident

1. The Miteni plant produced PFAS from 1968 until its closure in 2018 due to bankruptcy.
2. During operation, the plant leaked chemical-laced waste into waterways, polluting a vast area spanning Vicenza, Verona, and Padova.
3. The trial began in 2021, with prosecutors initially requesting cumulative jail terms totaling 121 years.
4. The court imposed a harsher sentence, exceeding 141 years in total.

Legal and Environmental Impact

• Hundreds of civil plaintiffs, including Greenpeace Italy and local mothers affected by PFAS contamination, participated in the trial.
• Greenpeace Italy representative Chiara Campione described the ruling as “historic.”
• The convicted individuals and companies were ordered to pay over 6.5 million euros ($7.6 million) in damages to the Veneto region.
• Additionally, they must pay 58 million euros in damages to the Italian environment ministry.
• In May, a court confirmed that a worker’s death from cancer in 2014 was caused by prolonged PFAS exposure at the plant.

Emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

The case highlights the critical need to protect public health from hazardous chemicals like PFAS, which are linked to serious health issues including cancer and immune system disorders.

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

Contamination of drinking water sources over nearly 200 square kilometres underscores the importance of safeguarding water quality and ensuring access to safe and clean water for all communities.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

The incident demonstrates the consequences of irresponsible industrial waste management and the urgent need for sustainable production practices that minimize environmental harm.

SDG 15: Life on Land

Soil contamination from PFAS threatens terrestrial ecosystems, emphasizing the necessity to protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

The judicial process and sentencing reflect the role of strong institutions in enforcing environmental laws and ensuring accountability for corporate environmental damage.

Conclusion

This landmark ruling serves as a precedent for environmental justice and aligns with multiple Sustainable Development Goals by addressing health risks, environmental protection, and corporate accountability. It underscores the global imperative to regulate hazardous substances and promote sustainable industrial practices to protect both people and the planet.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article highlights health issues such as hormonal disruption, immune suppression, and cancers linked to PFAS exposure.
   • The death of a worker from cancer caused by prolonged exposure to PFAS also connects to this goal.
2. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • The contamination of nearly 200 square kilometres of drinking water by PFAS chemicals directly relates to ensuring availability and sustainable management of water.
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • The production and use of harmful chemicals (PFAS) and their environmental impact highlight the need for sustainable management and reduction of hazardous chemicals.
4. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Soil contamination due to chemical waste affects terrestrial ecosystems and biodiversity.
5. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The legal actions, convictions, and sentencing of executives for environmental contamination reflect the enforcement of laws and accountability.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination.
2. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • Target 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials.
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Target 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle.
4. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.3: By 2030, combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil, including land affected by pollution.
5. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Health-related Indicators (SDG 3)
   • Incidence and mortality rates of diseases linked to chemical exposure such as cancers and immune disorders.
   • Biomonitoring data showing presence of PFAS chemicals in human blood.
2. Water Quality Indicators (SDG 6)
   • Concentration levels of PFAS and other hazardous chemicals in drinking water sources.
   • Area of water bodies contaminated by chemical pollutants.
3. Chemical Management Indicators (SDG 12)
   • Number of companies complying with regulations on hazardous chemical management.
   • Amount of hazardous chemical waste properly treated or disposed of.
4. Land Quality Indicators (SDG 15)
   • Extent of soil contamination and area of land restored after pollution.
5. Justice and Institutional Indicators (SDG 16)
   • Number of legal cases and convictions related to environmental pollution.
   • Amount of damages paid to affected regions and communities.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: france24.com