Sakarya: Cheese Factory Fined 2.1 Million TL for Environmental Violations

A cheese production factory in Sakarya's Hendek district was issued an administrative fine of 2 million 153 thousand lira. The factory is accused of discharging untreated industrial wastewater into the sewage system via an illegal line.

Teams from the Sakarya Provincial Gendarmerie Command, Hendek District Gendarmerie Command, and Sakarya Metropolitan Municipality Water and Sewerage Administration (SASKİ) took action. Work was initiated following reports of increased pollution in Hendek Dinsiz Stream.

Within this scope, a surprise inspection was carried out at the cheese factory in Hendek 2nd Organized Industrial Zone. Teams from Hendek District Gendarmerie, Provincial Gendarmerie Environmental, Nature and Animal Protection Team, and SASKİ participated in the inspection.

During the inspection, 3 vacuum trucks, 1 sewer cleaning vehicle, and 2 sewer inspection cameras were used.

As a result of the investigations, significant irregularities were detected. The facility's wastewater had been transferred to an illegally constructed underground storage tank, in violation of regulations. Subsequently, the untreated industrial wastewater was discharged into the sewage system via an illegal line.

Due to these irregularities, SASKİ imposed an administrative fine of 2 million 153 thousand lira on the facility. Furthermore, a judicial investigation was launched against the facility official for the crime of "willful environmental pollution". The duty public prosecutor issued instructions for the investigation.