The Lavera petrochemical site, where the Kem One company is located (archives). - P. Magnien / 20 Minutes

France Nature Environnement wishes to "obtain redress" after a chemical leak in the Mediterranean Sea. The association announces this Wednesday that it has filed a complaint against the company Kem One, European number two in PVC, to shed light on a leak of ferric chloride solution on the night of July 22 to 23. This corrosive product caused a toxic slick of approximately six hectares at the level of the Anse d'Auguette.

The sea affected by a vast # iron chloride pollution in Martigues Employees, residents, local associations do they know the obligation incumbent on Kem One & the city #Martigues to keep 1 alert register (Blandin, Sapin2 laws) or right to enter @cnDAspe https://t.co/FOdvYci345

- Agnes Popelin (@ AgnesPop1) July 23, 2020

In its complaint, the environmental association considers that the company has violated the environmental code which condemns a fine of 22,500 euros, the fact of "dumping or letting flow, directly or indirectly at sea substances harmful for conservation or reproduction of marine mammals. "

"Certain negligence on the part of the operator"

It also notes that “the numerous deviation sheets that were drawn up until 12 December 2017” by the inspection of installations classified for the protection of the environment “highlight a certain negligence on the part of the operator” by surveillance.

The Lavéra petrochemical site is part of one of the largest industrial complexes in Europe, around the Etang de Berre. It generates pollution which regularly arouses the fears of local residents. In October 2019, some of them sued four industrialists, the chemist Kem One, ArcelorMittal, Esso and the Fos-sur-Mer oil depot, for “disturbing the neighborhood”.

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