Rome prosecutors have initiated an investigation into the actions of Italy’s former energy transition minister, Roberto Cingolani, for renewing an environmental authorization for the Rosignano Solvay plant situated on a Tuscan beach in 2022, according to two sources with direct knowledge of the situation on Monday.
Cingolani, who has served as the CEO of Italy’s state-controlled defense and aerospace group, Leonardo, since May, is being probed for alleged abuse of office, as reported by the sources.
Both the former minister and Leonardo declined to provide comments on the matter.
This investigation, unrelated to Solvay, stemmed from a lawsuit filed in 2022 by Giuseppe Bivona, co-founder of activist group Bluebell Capital Partners, and Elio Lannutti, a former senator of the 5-star movement. They raised concerns that the minister had extended authorizations for the chemical plant for five years, even before they had expired.
The integrated environmental authorization (AIA) is a regulatory measure aimed at assessing the environmental compatibility of specific activities.
However, a source close to the ex-minister clarified that this wasn’t an extension but a new authorization, necessitated by a legal requirement due to changes at the Belgian chemical group’s plant.
Solvay’s practices at the century-old Tuscan beach plant have come under scrutiny from environmentalists, Bluebell activists, and the UN special rapporteur on toxics and human rights.
Reports indicate that mercury from the plant has contaminated the seabed, as per a 2020 report by Tuscany’s environmental protection agency. Additionally, a 2017 finding by the Institute for Coastal Marine Environment warned that the materials discharged posed a threat to seagrass.
Solvay currently discharges 250,000 metric tons annually into the Mediterranean, a practice that has significantly altered the coastline, earning it the nickname “White Beaches” or “Spiagge Bianche.”
In September 2022, Solvay announced plans to reduce industrial waste discharged into the sea from soda-ash production along the Tuscan coast, responding to pressure from environmentalists. The chemical group committed to investing approximately 15 million euros ($16.3 million) to reduce limestone residue release into the sea at its Rosignano facility. This move aims to reduce discharges by 20% compared to current regulatory limits by 2030, with a further reduction to 40% below authorities’ allowable levels by 2040.
In its 2021 annual report, the company mentioned pending preliminary investigations by the Criminal Court of Livorno concerning contamination in certain areas around Rosignano.
