Major impacts
The main impact on the environment comes from the use of energy in production and the resultant emissions of carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. Large quantities of water are also used, and the discharged waste water contains nutrients and organic matter. Minor impacts are odours from fermentation and noise from traffic and the handling of goods.

Accidental releases
No breaches of regulatory limit values were recorded, but two accidental releases occurred in 1998.

Two litres of cleaning water containing a fluorescent

agent were accidentally released via the rain water system into a marshy area called Smørmosen, from which 8 m3 of polluted water was removed and sent for destruction. The substance is non-toxic and there was no sustained impact on the environment.

In another incident, a minor quantity of detergent solution containing sodium hydroxide was released to the same area, but pH measurements showed no significant environmental impact.

Measures to prevent these incidents occurring again have been taken.

Complaints
The site received three complaints from neighbours. Two of them concerned the odour from storage of biomass from the fermentation plant which was not removed during a general strike. The problem was solved when the strike ended and the biomass could be disposed of.

One complaint concerned the noise from a ventilation system and this is now shut down at night.

Environmental focus
The major focus during 1998 has been on evaluating the environmental impact of the site and collecting data with a view to submitting an application for environmental approval by July 2000. This has been done in cooperation with the regional authorities. In particular, we have been looking at sources of noise and the use of organic solvents.

Investments totalling DKK 3.7 million were made in facilities for the handling of waste oil and chemicals, plus air and waste water treatment for the fermentation and recovery plants. DKK 106,000 was spent on removal of soil polluted by oil products from the former owner.