Brussels, 13/10/2010 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 12 October, the European Commission authorised a grant of approximately €146.27 million to Voestalpine Stahl to decontaminate a site owned by the company in Linz (region of Upper Austria) where contamination dates back to World War II.
A coke oven that involved the use of tar, benzol and other contaminating products began work in 1942. These substances were usually kept in closed production circuits or were stored in tanks, but due to the destruction during and after World War II they have leaked into the earth and into ground water.
The Austrian state aid was examined by the Commission because it is far higher than the €7.5 million ceiling set for environmental protection. The Commission came to the conclusion that the negative effects on competition and trade were limited, while the positive effects for the environment are considerable. Competition Commissioner Joaquín Almunia said he was “satisfied that the planned measure will contribute to the quality of the ground water in the region without unduly distorting competition”. At the end of September, the Commission approved aid of €29 million for the clean up of an Austrian landfill site in Brückl, which was contaminated with chlorinated hydrocarbons from the production of chlorides. (L.C./transl.rt)