Sebeș companies sent to trial for air pollution and falsified reports

Two companies in Sebeș, operating in the wood processing and chemical sectors, have been sent to trial for air pollution and the falsification of environmental documents. The investigation, conducted by the Alba Tribunal Prosecutor's Office, covers activities occurring between 2022 and 2023.

Authorities allege that the factories emitted formaldehyde and nitrogen oxides exceeding legal limits, including within protected areas. At the wood processing plant, formaldehyde levels reportedly exceeded limits by more than three times in a residential area. The chemical company also emitted formaldehyde at nearly three times the maximum allowed level, alongside nitrogen oxide violations.

Two environmental officers are also facing trial for allegedly reporting unrealistic values in annual documents. Prosecutors claim laboratory results were repeatedly analyzed until they became favorable for obtaining environmental permits. Additionally, the defendants are accused of attempting to interfere with pollution control installations and sampling equipment during external laboratory inspections. All defendants are currently under investigation while remaining at liberty.