The dangerous plan to build a waste incinerator in Šala may become a reality. The Ministry of the Environment despite our professional objections issued a favorable opinion as part of the environmental impact assessment. I have been helping local citizens defending their right to a healthy environment for several years - since the beginning of the process. We worked out professional arguments and documents with the team. However, the ministry swept our objections off the table.

The nineties are back
The practices I observe during the process remind me of the infamous nineties. Judge for yourself. I am contacted by unhappy citizens to whom the investor sends letters and threatens fines of up to 20 million euros. Despite the fact that TV Močenok published the extraordinary meeting of the municipal council, the investor threatens local residents with a fine for publishing the meeting on the social network. Similar practices are experienced by local residents who have dared to express a critical opinion on the construction of an oversized waste incinerator in Šala for years.

The ministry ignores the experts
The Ministry of the Environment under the leadership of Minister Budaj systematically ignored all data, scientific studies and practical experience that did not suit them to issue a favorable opinion. The proposed waste incinerator has not solved the problems of toxic substances, would produce a large amount of greenhouse gas emissions and would discourage the development of reuse, separate collection and recycling. This is exactly what I am fighting for on the floor of the European Parliament.

Why is an incinerator a bad solution?
If the waste is burned, it will not disappear. And the need for landfills will not disappear either. After burning, cinders and toxic ash remain, which must be landfilled anyway. Fly ash contains persistent organic pollutants and heavy metals also pose serious risks to the health of all of us.

I will continue to support local residents against this senseless plan. Every person who values nature, the environment and health should oppose this construction. I believe that Minister Ján Budaj will comply with our appeal and change the final opinion to disagree or return the matter for a new discussion.
Of course, it does not end with the support of the community around the planned incinerator. The absolute basis is reducing the amount of waste or recycling it. In these months, I am working in the European Parliament on draft laws to achieve just this. Less unnecessary, especially plastic waste. More reuse and recycling. More recycled materials in products. Of course, we will also offer such measures in our election program.
If you are interested in helping us in the fight against the senseless incinerator in Šala, let your friends and acquaintances know about it.