Regarding yesterday's press release by the Ministry of Environment, Physical Planning and Public Works concerning the imposition of fines to certain companies operating in the vicinity of the Assopos river, our company is surprised and would like to make the following remarks:
- its only source of information regarding this matter was derived from the Mass Media.
- in spite of the fact that the results of repeated sampling tests performed by the Special Service of Inspectors for the Environment (ΕΥΕΠ) were negative, the Ministry's announcement implicates the company in the ground water pollution observed in the area of Assopos River.
More specifically, the pertinent report of the Inspectors Service mentions that "during our present partial inspection, water effluent samples were collected from the final effluent tank, the effluent of the physicochemical treatment plant, and the final effluent to Assopos river, and these samples were analyzed by the Official Chemical Laboratory of the Greek State and following the results of these tests, there were not found exceeding amounts of the parameters, on which the examination in question was focused, regarding mainly the concentrations of the hexavalent chromium and total chromium in the water effluent. In addition, on 26/09/2007, a tracer test was performed in the final effluent tank, in order to certify the position of the point of the outfall, as well as an analysis on location with a potable instrument of the Inspectors Service for the Environment".
The company wonders on what evidence is the Ministry announcement based, provided that in the report of the Special Inspectors Service, it is clearly mentioned that there were no polluting parameters found above the effluent limits.
The company has obtained all pertinent licenses issued by the competent Authorities, regarding the treatment and disposal of its water effluent and intends to pursue the cancellation of the fines as well as the restoration of its reputation through the justice system.