Dommel municipalities file another appeal against Nyrstar

In 2025, the zinc smelter Nyrstar Pelt applied for a new permit to discharge chloride, thallium, sulfate, and selenium. Despite a negative recommendation from the province of North Brabant, the province of Belgian Limburg granted the permit.

Last October, our municipality, along with ten other municipalities bordering the Dommel River, filed an appeal against this discharge permit.

On March 2, the Flemish Ministry decided to declare these appeals largely unfounded and to grant the permit after all. The Dommel municipalities regret this decision. As a result, they have since jointly prepared new legal action.

In practical terms, this means that an appeal was filed with the Council for Permit Disputes in Flanders before April 17. In doing so, the Dommel municipalities are sending a stronger signal that they will take action against harmful discharges that threaten water quality and the natural environment. Environmental interests must take precedence over business interests.

Effect uncertain

The opposition could lead to stricter standards for future permits, but the outcome remains uncertain. This is because the current permit is valid until the end of 2027, and legal proceedings often take a long time.

An ongoing commitment to water and nature

As municipalities along the Dommel River, we remain committed to keeping the Dommel clean and protecting our vulnerable natural areas. We are confident that this appeal will yield a positive outcome.