Permit engineering
Re-permitting INEOS Aromatics for its chemical activities in Geel
By sitting constructively around the table, Bond Beter Leefmilieu, Natuurpunt, and INEOS Aromatics have reached a common position and submitted an environmental permit application of the highest class.
Sweco has prepared the urban planning part of the environmental permit for the new water treatment plant. We also provide basic engineering, particularly for construction and piping work.
- Client
- INEOS Aromatics
- Location
- Geel
- Expertise
- Environmental permit, basic engineering
- Stakeholders
- Bond Beter Leefmilieu, Natuurpunt
Chemical company INEOS Aromatics in Geel has started building a new facility to remove cobalt from wastewater before it is discharged into the environment. This project aims to reduce cobalt discharges by 90% by 2027, in line with the objectives of the European Water Framework Directive.
Successful permitting process
In dialogue with environmental organizations, INEOS Aromatics has further adjusted the permit application, applying the latest technologies for removing cobalt from wastewater. INEOS Aromatics will also continue to work on further improvements after the completion of this new facility.
For the development of the permit application, specifically the urban planning part for the expansion of water treatment, experts from Sweco were called upon. The proximity of the Sweco office in Westerlo to the INEOS location strengthens this collaboration.
Investing in water quality
To achieve European water quality objectives in Flanders, cooperation between companies and permit issuers is essential. This is important for our health, the environment, and the economy, and allows us to strive together for clean waterways, in this case, the nearby Grote Nete.
By heavily investing in an additional cobalt purification facility, INEOS Aromatics will reduce cobalt emissions into the Grote Nete by 90% by 2027. They base this on a Best Available Techniques study and implement the recommendations in a state-of-the-art water treatment system. These investments are a clear sign of a sincere commitment from INEOS Aromatics to improve the water quality of the Grote Nete as quickly as possible.
Innovations for environmental quality
Moreover, the company commits to continuing the improvement trajectory after the construction and commissioning of the new water treatment plant. INEOS Aromatics will immediately start new research to further reduce cobalt emissions based on the wastewater that the new water treatment plant will discharge from 2027. Such a research and development trajectory will allow the company to operationally meet discharge standards that are closer to the environmental quality standards to be achieved.
