A Badalona court has archived the criminal investigation into alleged pollution by brake pad manufacturer Tenneco, but the case is not fully over. The judge has sent a police report on possible administrative breaches to the relevant authorities, which could still lead to fines.
Instruction Court Number 3 of Badalona closed the criminal case after reviewing several reports. Those reports said there was no danger to local residents or the environment. Both Tenneco's defence and the public prosecutor's office had asked for the case to be archived.
The decision refers to inspections by the Generalitat between 2022 and 2024, which found compliance with atmospheric emission and air quality rules. The court also noted that Tenneco has more than 20 favourable rulings from environmental authorities and control bodies.
Even so, a Mossos d'Esquadra report pointed to possible non-compliance at the factory, including problems with how often filter sleeves were replaced and the use of lead in raw materials for brake lining production. The judge said these issues do not amount to a criminal offence, but may be sanctionable administrative breaches.
Sources from Tenneco said the company remains committed to employee safety and to protecting the communities where it operates. It said it will continue to work with the competent authorities throughout the process.
Andrés Maluenda, the lawyer for the complainants, said they will appeal the ruling. Silvina Frucella, president of Airenet, said residents were deeply angry, especially at the public prosecutor's office for asking for the case to be closed. The complainants say their case is backed by studies from 2023 that showed the extent of pollution around the plant.
The investigation began about three years ago after a complaint in February 2023 from the El Remei Neighbourhood Association and Airenet. They accused the factory of dispersing carcinogenic substances and heavy metals. Residents in El Remei, less than 300 metres from the plant in the Badalona Sud industrial estate, say they have suffered particles, strong smells, eye and throat irritation, itching, watery eyes and breathing problems.
The Departament de Territori and Badalona City Council's environment and sustainability department will now review the Mossos report to decide whether to start sanctioning action. For more on local civic issues, see our Community coverage and related Sport stories from across Barcelona and the wider metro area.
