A DUTCH foundation representing at least 1,400 people took the first steps today toward a suit against steel giant Tata, alleging it was responsible for pollution near Amsterdam that has caused illnesses for residents.

Tata Steel’s massive plant at the mouth of the IJ river west of the capital has come under increasing fire from residents and health authorities, who accused it of being the main source of contaminations in the air, soil and water.

“A bailiff delivered a notice of liability to the company” yesterday, the FrisseWind.nu foundation said.

“This liability claim is the first formal step in the mass damages claim announced earlier this year,” it said in a statement.

In its letter, the foundation said it wanted to reach an agreement about compensation with Tata, whose parent group is based in India.

“We would like to receive confirmation within four weeks to date that you are reasonably prepared to discuss this with us,” the letter said.

“Failing this, we will assume there is no willingness on your part to enter such consultations and we will be free to take legal action against you,” said FrisseWind.nu, which means “Fresh Air Now” in Dutch.

Tata Steel could not immediately be reached for comment.

But the company told public broadcaster NOS it planned to study the letter in detail before commenting, adding that it had taken various measures to reduce emissions and nuisances from the plant.

The foundation’s letter is the latest challenge for Tata Steel in the Netherlands, where it directly employs some 9,000 workers – many who live near the site – and is a major player in the Dutch economy.

The steel giant is facing other legal claims and Dutch prosecutors in February last year opened a criminal probe into possible “intentional and unlawful” pollution.

Dutch health authorities in a report last year confirmed Tata was the main source of so-called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, contributing to air pollution and metal pollution in the IJmuiden region.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are generated primarily during the incomplete burning of organic materials like coal, oil and gas, said the US Centers for Disease Control.

Long-term exposure could lead to various forms of cancer and other adverse health effects.

Dutch emission authorities identified the Tata Steel site as one of the largest emitters of carbon dioxide in the country. – AFP, August 24, 2023.