Environment Ministry to Sue Waste Oil Firm Over Pollution in Tangerang
Tangerang Regency (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Environment (LH) will sue PT Beringin Petroleum Energy, a company managing hazardous and toxic waste (B3) specifically used oil, which is suspected of polluting the environment in the Panongan District, Tangerang Regency, Banten.
Deputy for Environmental Law Enforcement, Rizal Irawan, stated in Tangerang on Saturday that the lawsuit is being taken as a firm measure by the government against environmental destroyers who must take full responsibility. “Because in this process, there are three types of violations: criminal, civil, including environmental disputes, and administrative,” he explained.
He noted that the lawsuit against the polluting company is in accordance with the regulations set out in Articles 98, 99, and/or Articles 103 or 104 of Law Number 32 of 2009 concerning Environmental Protection and Management (PPLH).
“Therefore, I have informed the owner to cease all activities immediately. I have brought the relevant Directors, including those from Criminal, Civil, and Administrative Sanctions, as well as enforcement supervisors, to oversee this action,” he said.
He assessed that the violations committed by the used oil waste management company have had a significant impact on the surrounding environment, affecting several sectors including air, land, and water.
Furthermore, the company has violated provisions regarding environmental approvals, technical standards, and administrative requirements related to hazardous waste management activities.
He stated that based on field inspections, the company has been known to have operated for a long time. They had temporarily ceased operations due to the COVID-1s pandemic but resumed activities from 2022 through 2026.
During its years of operation, the company has been collecting used oil from various business sectors using very rudimentary processes. This includes collection and processing through reactors, resulting in outputs that cause pollution.
“Regarding air pollution, we can observe two chimneys without air pollution control (PPU) devices. Consequently, the combustion results from this CDO process are discharged directly into the air, water, and soil,” he explained.
In this regard, Rizal added that the Government, through the Ministry, has conducted strict supervision and enforcement against industries that neglect environmental protection, including sealing or permanent closure.
“Similarly, industries that cause pollution and damage the environment will certainly be dealt with,” he said.