Chile’s environmental regulator said Monday it had filed a serious charge and initiated a sanctioning process against the state copper giant Codelco for the violation of the emissions monitoring system at its Potrerillos smelter.
The Superintendency of the Environment (SMA) explained that the data that obtained from continuous emissions monitoring must be in line with their information systems.
“The company does not have a continuous monitoring system implemented for the parameter SO2 (sulfur dioxide) and for the operational variables processed gas flow, blower status and sulfuric acid production.since it does not have an operational online connection with the SMA systems,” the regulator said.
The firm could risk a fine of up to US$4 million. revocation of the environmental permit or closure.
Codelco has 10 business days to present a compliance plan and 15 days to deliver their defenses.
Potrerillos is part of Salvador, the smallest division of the state.
