Activists broke through the fence at the FMC Rønland chemical plant in western Jutland on Thursday morning to collect soil samples in protest against the site’s pesticide production.
DR reports that activists from Den Grønne Ungdomsbevægelse and other Nordic organizations entered the grounds of the plant, which was previously known as Cheminova. Police were present at the factory and confirmed that the fence had been breached.
Activist Elaia Tøllbøll told DR that the group forced the fence in order to take soil samples. According to her, part of the problem is that there is no overview of the pollution on the current factory grounds.
The demonstration targets FMC Rønland’s production of the pesticide dimethoate, which is exported to countries outside the EU. Its use is illegal in Denmark and in the rest of the EU.
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Tøllbøll said the activists want the environment minister to follow up on her stated interest in examining a national export ban on EU-illegal pesticides. They also demand a plan for a secure job transition for the many people employed at the plant, in case it closes.
The main road between Thyborøn and Harboøre was blocked as a result of the action, according to DR. FMC Rønland’s site manager, Jakob Kyllesbech, did not have time to comment to the broadcaster.
What other outlets report
TV MIDTVEST reported that FMC knew a demonstration might take place. Per the outlet, Kyllesbech called on any protest to remain peaceful and lawful and not to block access to the plant. It also reported that police were aware of the planned demonstration in advance.
In separate reporting, TV MIDTVEST noted that the activists are calling for a mapping and cleanup of what they describe as a generational pollution at Harboøre Tange. Their demands include further investigation of contamination on the current factory site.
ByenHerning reported ahead of the action that the demonstration was not registered and was set to begin at 10 a.m. The outlet also described the activists’ wider criticism of chemicals produced at the plant that they say are not legal on the Danish or European market.
Arbejderen reported that the protest is the first step in two weeks of planned activism. The outlet quoted activists stating that they were on Rønland, and linked the site to long-standing pollution problems in the area.
Why now
TV MIDTVEST reported that police were preparing for a demonstration in the week of August 13. According to the same outlet, FMC had been notified in advance that a protest could take place at the plant.
