Waste and illegal dumping: A galvanizing plant in Striano has been seized.

Preventive seizure of the GM Zincatura Srl plant, located in Saudone, in the Striano PIP area, near Naples. The order was executed today by members of the Environmental, Agri-food, and Forestry Police Investigative Unit (NIPAAF) of the Naples Carabinieri Forestry Group, pursuant to a decree issued by the investigating judge of the Torre Annunziata Court at the request of the Public Prosecutor's Office.

The areas that, according to investigators' reconstruction, were allegedly used for illegal waste storage were seized, as well as the entire yard designated for the loading and unloading of the plant's raw materials.

The measure, investigators explain, was necessary to prevent the continuation of the contested conduct and the possible worsening of the environmental consequences.

Zinc up to nine times above the limits

The investigation was conducted by the Carabinieri Forestali with the technical support of ARPAC and under the coordination of the Torre Annunziata Public Prosecutor's Office.

Among the findings of the investigations was the alleged exceeding of the emission limits set by the Integrated Environmental Authorization (AIA). Specifically, after heavy rainfall, concentrations exceeding legal limits for certain heavy metals, including iron and zinc, were detected in runoff water from the plant's yard and roofs.

According to the investigation documents, zinc concentrations were found up to nine times higher than the permitted limit. Investigators characterize the substance as dangerous due to its toxicity, persistence, and bioaccumulation.

Rainwater in the sewer system

Another chapter of the investigation concerns the illegal dumping of industrial wastewater.

According to the prosecution's reconstruction, the rainwater, after coming into contact with raw materials and materials stored in the yard, would have been channeled directly into the public sewer system through bypass systems.

According to the investigations, the yard lacked adequate coverage and was characterized by the presence of oxidized materials. The water was not subjected to the necessary purification and regulation treatments before discharge.

Waste stored in unauthorized areas

Investigators also allege violations in waste management.

Inside the plant, materials, including packaging and metal waste, were allegedly found stored in unauthorized areas and lacking the required EER identification code.

The investigation would also have allowed the identification of the production of hazardous waste, consisting in particular of sludge and residues deriving from filtration processes, which would not have been included in the production cycle authorized by the AIA.

The disputes concern, in various capacities, the provisions of Legislative Decree 152 of 2006 regarding discharges, emissions and waste management.

The investigation into the Sarno River

The seizure of the Striano plant is part of a broader investigative effort to identify potential sources of pollution of the Sarno River and its tributaries.

The checks, conducted systematically by the Carabinieri Forestali and other specialized police forces, with the technical support of ARPAC, are involving several companies located within the Sarno river basin.

The investigation is being conducted pursuant to the Memorandum of Understanding signed on December 17, 2025, by the Public Prosecutor's Offices of Avellino, Nocera Inferiore, and Torre Annunziata, the Attorney General's Offices of the Courts of Appeal of Naples and Salerno, ARPAC, and the judicial police authorities responsible for environmental matters.

The stated objective is to ascertain the causes of pollution phenomena and identify any responsibilities.

Investigations still ongoing

The proceedings are currently in the preliminary investigation phase. The precautionary seizure order may be challenged before the Review Court.

The charges raised by investigators must therefore be submitted to the judicial authorities for further evaluation. The suspects, as provided by the constitutional principle of presumption of innocence, cannot be considered guilty until a final conviction is issued.