Efficient destruction
Paul De Bruycker, CEO Indaver Group: “We destroy PFAS-containing waste in our rotary kiln incinerators at our Antwerp site with an efficiency rate of 99.9999 percent. But zero does not exist. There is always a very small residual amount."
Not only the very high incineration temperature of 1050 °C on average, but also the long residence time and the stirring of the waste in the incinerator result in very intensive incineration. Indaver also guarantees safe disposal of non-combustible PFAS-containing waste in salt cells at a licensed landfill site in Antwerp.
Indaver meets strict PFAS standards
Indaver has the best available technology in Antwerp for processing PFAS as defined in the POP (Persistent Organic Pollutants) regulation. Minister Demir has imposed a standards framework on Indaver that goes far beyond the European regulations. Indaver manages to comply with this framework of standards thanks to very strenuous efforts. These standards are closely monitored which are also confirmed by the relevant Flemish government departments.
The PFAS residues in Indaver's wastewater have been reduced to around 10 grams per year for the sum of PFOS, PFOA and GenX. For total PFAS, the pollutant load is limited to less than 2 kg on an annual basis.
Emissions to air are well below standard
Indaver also closely monitors emissions in the chimneys. VITO, The Flemish Institute for Technological Research, has in recent months sampled and analysed Indaver's flue gases specifically for PFAS. Using a scientific model, the measured values were converted into deposition, or what remains of PFAS residues. These results are 40x below EFSA (-(European Food & Safety Agency) standards.
No standardised measurement method is currently available at European level to measure the very low concentrations of PFAS in flue gases. Indaver is cooperating fully with the development of a standardised measurement method validated by independent experts.
Indaver is confident of a positive outcome regarding transport licences
Because of social unrest about PFAS in the Westerschelde, the Dutch government wants to see demonstrable proof that Indaver is treating PFAS-containing waste correctly and efficiently in Antwerp. As a precautionary measure, the Dutch Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) therefore no longer issues permits for new shipments of PFAS-containing waste and intends to revoke previously issued EVOA (European Waste Shipment Regulation) notifications. We naturally regret this intention of the ILT, but continue to cooperate constructively on this file and will submit our views to the ILT within the set deadline. Indaver is confident of a positive outcome.
Indaver communicates openly and transparently about its impact on the environment
Indaver communicates dutifully and openly about its impact on the environment. Our annual Sustainability Report and our frequent explanations of our activities on neighbourhood councils are good examples of this.
"We process the waste with an efficiency rate of 99.9999 per cent. But zero does not exist" Paul De Bruycker, CEO Indaver Group