Italy forces closure of PVC/VCM plants

Netherlands-based EVC International NV confirmed that its VCM and PVC manufacturing plants at Porto Marghera, Italy, will be temporarily shut down, following an order issued by the Italian Minister of Environment.

This order was based upon the recommendation made by a Technical Commission of the region of Veneto, investigating an incident that occurred at the VCM plant on 8 June 1999 in which 900 kgs of VCM was released to the atmosphere via the safety venting mechanisms.

According to EVC, the incident did not create a health hazard to the plant workers or to the local population. The company says it has fully co-operated with the local authorities, which have already confirmed that the concentration of VCM at ground level was well below the legal limits.

EVC is currently in discussion with the authorities to ensure that all regulatory concerns regarding the safe operation of the plant are properly addressed.