Bulgaria Orders Montupet to Halt Aluminium Casting Unit over Suspected Air Pollution

Bulgarian authorities have ordered Montupet EOOD, part of France-based Montupet SA group, to suspend part of the operations of its aluminium casting plant in Ruse suspected as a source of excessive air pollution.

The regional environment inspectorate in the city of Ruse, on the Danube river, on Wednesday ordered Montupet EOOD to halt the operation of its Carousel 1 aluminium casting installation, the Environment Ministry in Sofia said in a statement.

Inspectors will seal off the installation on Friday. It will remain shut until its operation is brought in compliance with its environment protection permit, according to the statement.

The order can be appealed within 14 days before the Environment Ministry or the Administrative Court in Ruse.

There has been no public comment about the order from Montupet EOOD by Wednesday evening.

Montupet group specialises in the design and production of cast aluminium parts for the automotive industry. Montupet has invested more than EUR 100M in its plant in Ruse since entering Bulgaria in 2006, according to data from Bulgaria’s investment promotion agency.

Ruse citizens complained of excessive air pollution and ecological inspectors identified the aluminium casting plant as its source last Monday. A few days later Montupet EOOD dismissed their conclusions as unfounded and unsubstantiated by evidence.

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