Brazilian steelmaker Companhia Siderurgica Nacional (CSN) told Brazilian media that an international institute declared the company’s Presidente Vargas mill was compliant with environmental regulations, following claims otherwise by prosecutors and local communities.
According to CSN, global consultancy NewFields said there are no risks for the health of the habitants of Volta Redonda, in response to claims that the mill’s activities generate heavy metals that are reportedly emitted in the air, harming the local communities.
CSN said the study’s conclusions were based in “international technical criteria” used by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as well as by the country’s Armed Forces.
A body of federal prosecutors is expected to meet this Tuesday with the community of Volta Redonda to discuss the ongoing cases against CSN’s alleged pollution and damages to residents’ health.
CSN, state environment regulator INEA, the city hall of Volta Redondaa, among other entities, will also join the meeting.