Danish chemical company FMC continues operating with official permission to release wastewater containing dimethoate, a pesticide banned throughout the European Union. Environmental authorities maintain this authorization despite the substance's prohibition in EU agriculture.
Recent monitoring data reveals traces of at least 17 problematic substances in the company's wastewater discharges. While FMC asserts all compounds remain within permitted limits, three currently produced pesticides—malathion, cloquintocet-mexyl, and the banned dimethoate—appear in the treated water released into marine environments.
Environment Minister Magnus Heunicke describes the situation as irresponsible and unethical. He acknowledges the paradox of EU internal sales bans while permitting production and export. The minister confirms ongoing efforts to establish comprehensive EU export prohibitions for banned pesticides.
The controversy highlights Denmark's complex position in global chemical manufacturing. FMC's Cheminova facility represents significant export revenue while operating under environmental scrutiny. The company legally exports dimethoate to non-EU markets where the pesticide remains approved for agricultural use.
Opposition climate spokesperson Torsten Gejl condemns the practice as irresponsible and unforgivable. He emphasizes the substances' documented harm to fetal development and children's nervous systems, even in microscopic doses. Gejl questions discharging these chemicals into marine ecosystems already nearing collapse.
The Environmental Protection Agency now reevaluates FMC's operating permit with updated wastewater requirements. This review specifically addresses pesticide discharge limitations amid growing political pressure.
Minister Heunicke faces parliamentary questioning regarding the legal basis for FMC's current authorization. Legislators demand clarification on whether the government will continue permitting discharges of EU-banned substances into sensitive marine habitats.
This case exposes regulatory gaps in global chemical management. Denmark balances economic interests against environmental protection while EU institutions debate broader export restrictions. The outcome could reshape European chemical production standards and export policies.
The Øresund region's chemical sector faces increased scrutiny as environmental regulations tighten. Companies operating in Copenhagen's industrial zones must adapt to evolving compliance requirements while maintaining competitive export operations.