The Sweden Democrats have previously been in favor of the establishment of Senior Materials’ factory in Eskilstuna. But now they want to investigate what the municipality can do to stop the company’s planned release of methylene chloride.
– We didn’t know about the toxic releases, says Sweden Democrats group leader Kim Fredriksson.
Senior Materials factory in Eskilstuna
Eskilstuna municipality requests a meeting with Senior Materials about the emissions
The expert on the fear of planned emissions from the factory in Eskilstuna: “No cause for concern”
The party also wants to investigate the possibility for the municipality to buy back the land from the company, something that is completely unrealistic according to Marie Svensson (S), vice chairman of the municipal board.
– I think it would cost several billions for the municipality, she says.
“Found information on emissions”
Senior Materials has received permission to annually release 900 tons of the chemical methylene chloride into the air, which SVT has reported on previously.
According to Marie Svensson (S), all parties in the municipality knew about the planned emissions before the decision on the establishment of the company was made.
– There was information about emissions, but not to what extent. All parties were aware of that information, she says.
Kim Fredriksson (SD) says that the Sweden Democrats found no reason to question the majority’s proposal regarding the industrial company’s establishment.
– We in the opposition must scrutinize the political majority to a greater extent than we have done, he says.
Protests against Senior Materials
A protest movement against Senior Materials on social media today gathers over 7,000 people. Many Eskilstuna residents are worried about what consequences the emissions may have, while the environmental review delegation believes that the air emissions do not pose any danger to health or the environment outside the factory.
– There is concern and fear, and it is clear that the lives and health of Eskilstuna residents should not be put in danger, says Marie Svensson (S).
She thinks that the commitment among the residents is good, but points out that the debate that has arisen must take place objectively.
– It needs to happen without creating fear in Eskilstuna, she says.