Doe Run Smelter in Peru Loses Environmental Certification

[Judi Lynn]

Doe Run Smelter in Peru Loses Environmental Certification

Lima, Peru -- Doe Run Peru, which operates one of the largest metal-smelters in the western hemisphere, has lost its Environmental Certification in a highly unusual move taken by the company's independent third-party auditors. TUV Rheinland initially granted the certification less than two years ago, but revoked it March 11, 2008 citing non-compliance with Peruvian environmental laws and the lack of adequate pollution prevention measures.

Media-Newswire.com) - Lima, Peru -- Doe Run Peru, which operates one of the largest metal-smelters in the western hemisphere, has lost its Environmental Certification in a highly unusual move taken by the company's independent third-party auditors. TUV Rheinland initially granted the certification less than two years ago, but revoked it March 11, 2008 citing non-compliance with Peruvian environmental laws and the lack of adequate pollution prevention measures.

The loss of the certification comes on the heels of a $234,000 US fine imposed last year against Doe Run Peru for several serious violations of environmental laws in Peru. This week, Peruvian authorities released a report detailing those violations, including noncompliance with the standards for lead and particulate matter.

Doe Run Peru obtained the environmental certification under ISO 14001 in 2006 calling it a "significant milestone in delivering on our commitments to our communities, our employees and the environment." The Doe Run Company's web site calls the ISO certification an "internationally recognized symbol of a company's dedication to superior quality, customer satisfaction and continuous improvement."

Nevertheless, a number of studies conducted by the government as well as international health experts have shown that almost all of the children living in the area surrounding Doe Run Peru's smelter have unacceptably high levels of lead in their bodies. Many are severely exposed and require immediate medical treatment.

More:
http://media-newswire.com/release_1063332.html

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Articles and photos of this hideous crime against humanity, and specifically the people of Peru, and the owner, Ira Rennert, friend of Joe Lieberman, posted in earlier thread by edwardlindy:

Life in Peru's most polluted town

The Blacksmith Institute, a US-based environmental think tank, has ranked it as one of the top 10 most polluted places in the world for the last two years.

La Oroya, home to more than 30,000 people, is a company town and many residents say nothing about the pollution for fear of losing their jobs.
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Three years ago the Peruvian health ministry (MINSA) found that 99.9% of children in La Oroya under the age of seven had blood lead levels far above safe norms.
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The smelter was already 75 years old when the Peruvian state sold it in 1997 to the US-based Doe Run Corporation as part of a privatisation drive, on the condition that emissions were cut.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/7057749.stm

[Judi Lynn]

1. I forgot to include the D.U. thread with the photos and information on the bastard

Ira Rennert who owns this Valley of Death:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=405x955