The city of Bilzen-Hoeselt has issued an unfavourable recommendation regarding the renewal of the permit for Bionerga, a company processing green waste on the Eikaart industrial estate.
Bionerga’s current permit, which covers the processing of a significant portion of Limburg’s green waste, is set to expire next year. In response, Bionerga submitted a new permit application during the holiday period, seeking not only a renewal but also an increase in processing capacity.
The company operates composting facilities in Bilzen-Hoeselt, Maasmechelen, Pelt, and Houthalen, handling organic waste from municipal recycling parks and businesses. Although the Flemish Public Waste Agency (OVAM) provided a positive recommendation for the permit application submitted in late June, local officials raised concerns over its timing, seeing it as strategically inconvenient for potential objectors.
During the public consultation period from 27 June to 26 July, 170 objections were raised, primarily citing worries about increased odour nuisance if the capacity is expanded.
Environmental Councillor Fons Capiot noted the sporadic yet noticeable odour issues, influenced by factors like wind direction and waste type, affecting local residents.
After reviewing the objections, the municipality determined that there were ample reasons to reject the request for an indefinite permit. Mayor Bruno Steegen emphasised the proximity of new commercial developments, including fast-food restaurants, and residential areas that are incompatible with industrial traffic and emissions.
The site borders the Demer Valley, a sensitive protected area vulnerable to disturbance. Councillor Capiot highlighted Bionerga’s failure to implement necessary green buffers, leading to negative impacts on local biodiversity. Furthermore, Bionerga is set to vacate another installation in Maasmechelen, located within a national park, due to similar concerns. Expert studies have indicated that increasing capacity from 30,000 to 50,000 tons would exacerbate the odour issues.
Mayor Steegen concluded that operating a facility with uncontrollable odour emissions is unsustainable in its current location, justifying the unfavourable recommendation. The final decision now rests with the provincial authority, which is expected to announce its verdict by Thursday, 16 October.
