Three-quarters of cooking oil emissions collected in Fredrikstad

Almost two days after the cooking oil leak in Fredrikstad, 14,000 liters of soybean oil were collected. This can represent up to three quarters of emissions.

Around 30,000 liters of soybean oil spilled into the river at the Øra industrial zone in Fredrikstad overnight on Tuesday.

The oil comes from the Denofa factory, where, among other things, soybean oil for animal feed is produced. According to the company, the spill is at least 20,000 liters, while the Eastern Police Headquarters has informed NTB that it could reach 35,000 liters.

– So far, 14 cubic meters (14,000 liters) of soybean oil have been sucked up and separated, which was delivered to the Frevar biogas plant, plant director Torgeir Hjertaker told Denofa .

Additionally, 22.5 cubic meters of liquid were collected and will also be sent to an oil separator.

– If the concentration is the same, this will be equivalent to 5 additional cubic meters. If so, that means a total of 19 cubic meters of cooking oil have been recovered so far, Hjertaker says.

Soybean oil is a fine, biodegradable edible oil that is not directly harmful to the environment. This can still pose a risk to birds.

The Norwegian Nature Conservation Association reported Denofa’s release, and the company launched its own investigation into the incident and implemented temporary measures.