Poluicao Silves

07/05/2025

07/05/2025

https://postal.pt/algarve/reorganizacao-industrial-leva-corticeira-amorim-a-sair-de-silves/

Unidade de cortiça expandida em Silves encerra a 9 de junho; produção será transferida para Vendas Novas por motivos de eficiência

12/03/2025

Boletim Informativo - 14.ª reunião trimestral - ACS Silves

No dia 28 de fevereiro de 2025, realizou-se a 14.ª reunião trimestral de acompanhamento e monitorização dos trabalhos de correção de anomalias ambientais na fábrica da Amorim Cork Solutions (ACS), em Vale de Lama, Silves.

A reunião realizou-se na Câmara Municipal de Silves, tendo contado com a presença do Vereador Permanente Maxime Sousa Bispo e dos representantes da CCDR-Algarve, do grupo Pestana, da Comissão de Moradores "Vizinhos da Fábrica" e da Amorim Cork Solutions (ACS).

De destacar a presença e participação do Vice-Presidente da CCDR-Algarve, Arquiteto José Pacheco, e do CEO da Amorim Cork Solutions (ACS), Dr. João Pedro Azevedo.

Esta reunião foi construtiva e cooperativa, tendo o Dr. João Pedro Azevedo revelado estar plenamente consciente da situação insustentável que se vive atualmente no que concerne a poluição atmosférica e que as datas previstas para a conclusão dos procedimentos de correcção de anomalias ambientais se mantinham tal como anteriormente definidas em reuniões anteriores.

Fomos ainda informados pela Amorim Cork Solutions (ACS) da conclusão dos trabalhos de redução de ruído, com base nas medições acústicas recentemente efectuadas. Segundo o Dr. João Pedro Azevedo, o objetivo de cumprir os limites legais definidos no Regulamento Geral do Ruído e de causar o menor incómodo possível terá sido atingido, pelo que, muito em breve, disso dariam oficialmente conhecimento ao Município de Silves.

Perante esta informação, a Comissão de Moradores “Vizinhos da Fábrica” irá realizar as suas medições e ensaios acústicos em março e abril, para avaliar a eficácia e eficiência das medidas implementadas até ao momento. O Município de Silves também realizará contraprova dos elementos que a Amorim Cork Solutions (ACS) vier a disponibilizar oficialmente.

A Amorim Cork Solutions (ACS) informou-nos também sobre duas soluções técnicas diferentes para reduzir o fumo e o cheiro, estando, actualmente, em processo de decisão a aquisição de uma dessas soluções ou até mesmo das duas, tendo em vista a construção do RTO, com garantias de performance.

A Amorim Cork Solutions (ACS) confirmou novamente o seu compromisso de não emitir mais fumos ou cheiros para a atmosfera a partir de 1 de julho de 2025.

Por fim, no que diz respeito às poeiras e cinzas que poluem as propriedades da população vizinha, a Amorim Cork Solutions (ACS) envidará esforços no sentido de implementar medidas corretivas, com base em estudos que já estão a ser realizados e que envolverão a tomada de decisão relevante, também em curso.

A próxima reunião de acompanhamento, a realizar no dia 5 de maio de 2025, às 15h00, deverá trazer novidades sobre o ponto de situação de todos os procedimentos de correção de anomalias ambientais que estão a decorrer.

Todos agradecemos ao executivo municipal permanente da Câmara Municipal de Silves o apoio e empenho na realização deste processo participativo, que visa corrigir as anomalias ambientais da fábrica da Corticeira Amorim em Vale da Lama, Silves, com a consequente redução da poluição causada pelo seu funcionamento, e melhorar a relação entre a Amorim Cork Solutions (ACS) e a população vizinha, contribuindo para uma comunidade mais integrada e participativa na resolução de assuntos de interesse público no domínio ambiental.

12/03/2025

News Bulletin – the 14th quarterly meeting – ACS Silves

On 28th of February 2025, the 14th quarterly meeting was held to follow up and monitor the work to correct environmental anomalies at the Amorim Cork Insulation (ACI) plant in Vale de Lama, Silves.

The meeting was held at Silves Town Hall and was attended by Councillor Maxime Sousa Bispo and representatives of CCDR-Algarve, the Pestana group, the residents’ committee “Vizinhos da Fábrica” and Amorim Cork Solutions (ACS)

We were pleased to have the presence and participation of the Vice-President of CCDR-Algarve, Architect José Pacheco, and the CEO of Amorim Cork Solutions (ACS), Dr João Pedro Azevedo.

The meeting was constructive and cooperative, with Dr João Pedro Azevedo revealing that he was fully aware of the current unsustainable situation regarding atmospheric pollution and that the dates set for the completion of the procedures to correct environmental anomalies remained as previously defined in previous meetings.

We were also informed by Amorim Cork Solutions (ACS) of the conclusion of the noise reduction work, based on recent acoustic measurements. According to Dr João Pedro Azevedo, the objective of complying with the legal limits defined in the General Noise Regulation and causing as little disturbance as possible will have been achieved, and they will be officially informing the Municipality of Silves of this very soon.

In view of this information, the residents' committee “Vizinhos da Fábrica” will carry out its measurements and acoustic tests in March and April, to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of the measures implemented so far. The Municipality of Silves will also carry out counter-testing of the elements that Amorim Cork Solutions (ACS) will make officially available.

Amorim Cork Solutions (ACS) has also informed us of two different technical solutions for reducing smoke and odours, and is currently in the process of deciding whether to purchase one or both of these solutions, with a view to building the RTO, with performance guarantees.

Amorim Cork Solutions (ACS) reconfirmed its commitment to no longer emit smoke or odours into the atmosphere from 1 July 2025.

Finally, with regard to the dust and ash polluting the properties of the neighbouring population, Amorim Cork Solutions (ACS) will endeavour to implement corrective measures, based on studies that are already being carried out and which will involve relevant decision-making, which is also underway.

The next follow-up meeting, to be held on 5 May 2025 at 3pm, should bring news on the status of all the procedures for correcting environmental anomalies that are underway.

We would all like to thank the permanent municipal executive of Silves Town Council for their support and commitment in carrying out this participatory process, which aims to correct the environmental anomalies of the Corticeira Amorim factory in Vale da Lama, Silves, with the consequent reduction in pollution caused by its operation, and to improve the relationship between Amorim Cork Solutions (ACS) and the neighbouring population, contributing to a more integrated and participatory community in resolving matters of public interest in the environmental field.

19/11/2024

News Bulletin – the 13th quarterly meeting – ACI Silves

On 08 November 2024, the 13th quarterly meeting was held to follow up and monitor the work to correct environmental anomalies at the Amorim Cork Insulation (ACI) plant in Vale de Lama, Silves.

The meeting was held at Silves Town Hall and was attended by Councillor Maxime Sousa Bispo and representatives of CCDR-Algarve, the Pestana group, the ‘Factory Neighbours’ Residents' Committee and Amorim Cork Insulation (ACI).

We were pleased to have the presence and participation of the Vice-President of CCDR-Algarve, Architect José Pacheco, and the new CEO of Amorim Cork Solutions (ACS), Dr João Pedro Azevedo.

The new CEO of Amorim Cork Solutions (ACS) explained Corticeira Amorim's recent corporate reorganisation, which involves merging the 3 business units - Cork Composite, Cork Flooring and Cork
Insulation - into a single business unit, called Amorim Cork Solutions (ACS), as of January 1st 2025.

The meeting was constructive and cooperative, with Dr João Pedro Azevedo revealing that he was fully aware of the current unsustainable situation and that the dates set for the completion of the plans to correct environmental anomalies remained as previously defined in previous meetings.

As such, the future Amorim Cork Solutions (ACS) will complete the work to reduce noise levels by the end of 2024, with the aim of complying with the legal limits defined in the General Noise Regulation; in January and February 2025, Amorim Cork Solutions (ACS) will carry out acoustic measurements and tests to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of the measures implemented by the end of this calendar year.

On the other hand, with regard to the work to reduce white smoke and smell, it should be noted that the work on phase 1, corresponding to the installation and operation of the pre-filter, has already been completed since the end of June 2023, although without the desired results, which forced phase 2 to be re-started, referring to the design, installation and operation of the final filter (RTO).

Amorim Cork Insulation (ACI) is currently finalising the commercial negotiations for the purchase and construction of the RTO, with the aim that, from 1 July 2025, there will be no more smoke emitted
into the atmosphere, nor any smell.

Finally, with regard to the dust and ash that pollute the properties of the neighbouring population, Amorim Cork Insulation (ACI) will make efforts to implement corrective measures, based on studies
that are already being carried out and which will involve relevant decision-making at the start of the next calendar year.

The next monitoring meeting, to be held on 28 February 2025 at 10.30am, should bring news on the state of play of all the procedures for correcting environmental anomalies that are currently underway.

We would all like to thank the permanent municipal executive of Silves Town Council for their support and commitment in carrying out this participatory process, which aims to correct the
environmental anomalies of the Corticeira Amorim factory in Vale da Lama, Silves, with the consequent reduction in pollution caused by its operation, and to improve the relationship between
Amorim Cork Insulation (ACI) and the neighbouring population, contributing to a more integrated and participatory community in resolving matters of public interest in the environmental field.

19/11/2024

Boletim Informativo - 13.ª reunião trimestral - ACI

No dia 08 de Novembro de 2024, realizou-se a 13.ª reunião trimestral de acompanhamento e monitorização dos trabalhos de correção das anomalias ambientais na fábrica da Amorim Cork Insulation (ACI) em Vale de Lama, Silves.

A reunião realizou-se na Câmara Municipal de Silves, tendo contado com a presença do Vereador Maxime Sousa Bispo e dos representantes da CCDR-Algarve, do grupo Pestana, da Comissão de Moradores "Vizinhos da Fábrica" e da Amorim Cork Insulation (ACI).

Tivemos o prazer de contar com a presença e participação do Vice-Presidente da CCDR-Algarve, Arquiteto José Pacheco, e do novo CEO da Amorim Cork Solutions (ACS), Dr. João Pedro Azevedo.
O novo CEO da Amorim Cork Solutions (ACS) explicou a recente reorganização societária da Corticeira Amorim, que implica a fusão das 3 unidades de negócio - Cork Composite, Cork Flooring e Cork Insulation - numa única unidade de negócio, denominada Amorim Cork Solutions (ACS), a partir de 01 de janeiro de 2025.

Esta reunião foi construtiva e cooperativa, tendo o Dr. João Pedro Azevedo revelado estar plenamente consciente da situação insustentável que se vive atualmente e que as datas previstas para a conclusão dos planos de correcção de anomalias ambientais se mantinham tal como anteriormente definidos em reuniões anteriores.

Assim sendo, a futura Amorim Cork Solutions (ACS) concluirá os trabalhos de redução dos níveis de ruído até ao final de 2024, com o propósito de cumprir os limites legais definidos no Regulamento Geral do Ruído; sendo que, em janeiro e fevereiro de 2025, a Amorim Cork Solutions (ACS) realizará medições e exames
acústicos para aferir a eficácia e eficiência das medidas implementadas até ao final do presente ano civil.

Por outro lado, relativamente aos trabalhos de redução de fumos brancos e odores, importa salientar que os trabalhos da fase 1, correspondente à instalação e funcionamento do pré-filtro, já se encontram concluídos desde finais de Junho de 2023, embora sem os resultados que se desejariam, o que obrigou a que fosse
encetada a fase 2, referente à conceção, instalação e funcionamento do filtro-final (RTO).

Presentemente, a Amorim Cork Insulation (ACI) está a concluir as negociações comerciais para a aquisição e construção do RTO, com o objetivo de que, a partir de 01 de julho de 2025, não haja mais fumos emitidos para a atmosfera, nem cheiro.

Por fim, quanto às poeiras e às cinzas que poluem as propriedades da população vizinha, a Amorim Cork Insulation (ACI) irá desenvolver esforços para implementar medidas corretivas, com base em estudos que já estão a ser feitos e que implicarão tomadas de decisão relevantes no início do próximo ano civil.

A próxima reunião de monitorização, a realizar no dia 28 de fevereiro de 2025, às 10h30m, deverá trazer novidades sobre o ponto de situação de todos os procedimentos de correção de anomalias ambientais que se encontram em curso.

Todos agradecemos ao executivo municipal permanente da Câmara Municipal de Silves o apoio e empenho na realização deste processo participativo, que visa corrigir as anomalias ambientais da fábrica da Corticeira Amorim em Vale da Lama, Silves, com a consequente redução da poluição causada pelo seu funcionamento, e melhorar a relação entre a Amorim Cork Insulation (ACI) e a população vizinha, contribuindo para uma
comunidade mais integrada e participativa na resolução de assuntos de interesse público no domínio
ambiental.

14/11/2024

Habitantes de Silves protestam contra poluição da corticeira Amorim

Silves residents protest against Amorim cork factory pollution

Os habitantes de Silves queixam-se da poluição provocada há vários anos, pela fábrica de aglomerados de cortiça. O ruído e a libertação de gases para a atmosfera junto às habitações põem em causa a saúde pública.

14/11/2024

https://pt.cision.com/cp2013/ClippingDetails.aspx?id=2c9e40bd-cc04-4a4c-a8f2-b1b6f6222aa6&userId=41ff8d4c-f880-4276-8e9e-af045c21b48b&userId=41ff8d4c-f880-4276-8e9e-af045c21b48b

Veja a emissão da RTP acima. Filmado na sexta-feira, 8 de novembro 2024.

Please watch the above RTP broadcast. Filmed Friday 8th November2024.

01/08/2024

News Bulletin – the 12th quarterly meeting

On July 11, 2024, the 12th quarterly meeting was held to follow up and monitor the work to correct the environmental anomalies at the factory of Amorim Cork Insulation (ACI) in Vale de Lama, Silves. The meeting was held at Silves Town Hall and was attended by Councillor Maxime Sousa Bispo and representatives of CCDR-Algarve, the Pestana group and the “Neighbours of the Factory” Residents' Committee.
Amorim Cork Insulation informed us about the re-organisation of Amorim Corticeira in 2024. The 3 business units (BU) of Cork Composite, Cork Flooring and Cork Insulation will be merged into 1 BU, called Amorim Cork Solutions, under new leadership.
Based on the noise control plan for the entire factory (developed by a company specialising in noise), Amorim Cork Insulation (ACI) has presented a project to implement soundproofing measures, the aim of which is to encapsulate and soundproof all the machinery, equipment and pipes inside the factory. The first phase of the work is due to be completed by 31 December 2024 and will focus on the main equipment, such as the crusher, boiler, autoclave and sawmill, among others, with the aim of ensuring compliance with the noise levels imposed by legislation. The second phase of work is due to take place between 2025 and 2026, and will involve carrying out minor, but no less important, work, as it will make it possible to gradually reduce noise levels with the aim of going further than required by law.
With regard to the elimination of white fumes, the plans presented by Amorim Cork Insulation (ACI) reflect the same work completion dates already presented at the last meeting, thus increasing the level of trust placed by all participants in this process.
The pre-filter (phase 1) is not delivering the results expected by all parties. Although this equipment is allegedly in operation, the truth is that a lot of white smoke is still being emitted into the atmosphere, which creates environmental nuisance. Even so, the rule remains that when the pre-filter doesn't work, the factory's operations must be suspended.
In view of the failure of phase 1, Amorim Cork Insulation (ACI) has moved ahead with the design, construction and implementation of the RTO filter, corresponding to phase 2, which is still scheduled for completion in August 2025. The project for the new RTO has already been designed and the contract for its manufacturing should be awarded by 15 September 2024. It is therefore expected that manufacture and assembly of the equipment will begin in October 2024.
The RTO filter is a large box that will be transported to Silves in parts, assembled inside the plant from the 2nd quarter of 2025 and connected to the plant's systems during the summer of 2025. The RTO is scheduled to start operating in August 2025. That's the moment everyone is looking forward, to no longer seeing and smelling the white smoke for 99%.
The “Neighbours of the factory”, for their part, have expressed their discontent and frustration with the excessive delay in correcting the plant's anomalies. Solutions are implemented slowly and there is great disappointment at the permanence of the white smoke and the black particles that continue to pollute their properties. As a result, the level of confidence in Amorim Cork Insulation (ACI) is falling dramatically. In addition, poor financial results in 2023, as well as in the first quarter of 2024, have neighbours worried about the future of the factory and its ability to resolve existing anomalies.
‘The factory's neighbours’ explained that they are prepared to take tougher legal action if the results are not satisfactory by the end of 2024, and are not ruling out legal action.
Amorim Cork Insulation (ACI) proposed that the new CEO of Amorim Cork Solutions attend the next quarterly meeting in November 2024, with the aim of increasing the level of trust among all the parties involved and deepening the levels of commitment among all. All the participants in the meeting agreed with this proposal.
We would all like to thank the permanent municipal executive of Silves Town Council for their support and commitment in carrying out this participatory process, which aims to correct the environmental anomalies of the factory of Amorim Cork Insulation (ACI) in Vale da Lama, Silves, with a consequent reduction in the pollution caused by its operation, and to improve the relationship between ACI and the surrounding population, contributing to a more integrated and participatory community in resolving matters of public interest in the environmental field.