Fertilizer company ICL wants to reopen factory in Westpoort in September

The fertilizer manufacturer ICL plans to reopen its facility in the Westpoort industrial area on September 14 following a temporary closure that began in June. The shutdown was initiated to allow for the implementation of measures aimed at reducing persistent odor complaints from nearby neighborhoods, particularly in Amsterdam-Noord. These ongoing issues follow reports from July 2025 that revealed the company's hydrochloric acid emissions exceeded permitted levels by more than twenty times. While the factory works to mitigate these environmental impacts, it remains uncertain if the measures will entirely eliminate the odors affecting local residents.

In addition to the operational status, the province of North Holland has decided to reduce a potential penalty for excessive emissions. The provincial authorities lowered the maximum fine from 1.25 million euros back to its original level of 125,000 euros after ICL filed a successful objection. This decision has drawn sharp criticism from the local activist group Adem Vrij aan het IJ, who argue the lower fine serves as little deterrent for a major multinational corporation.