On Monday, an enormous cloud of smoke called a “blazer” was visible above the ESD-SIC facilities at the Delfzijl Chemical Park.
ESD-SIC produces silicon carbide, a semiconductor. The smoke was not produced by a fire: “blazers” are large clouds of smoke which consist of sand and petroleum cokes (carbon residue). The “blazers” occur when oven coverings fail to contain them.
RTV Noord reports that residents who live in the vicinity of the park in Farmsum are fed up with the phenomenon – multiple blazers occurred in February – and feel that the company is not able to adequately prevent them from happening.
ESD-SIC director Richard Middel immediately expressed his dismay at the most recent incident. “We deeply regret it and the disturbance it has caused to the locals.” New rules for handling such incidents will come into effect next year, and various studies are currently being conducted into how to solve the problem once and for all. “In the meantime, we will communicate proactively with the community about our activities’, says Middel.
Photo source: @betje
