The French government has decided to involve Ademe, a national agency responsible for environmental and energy management, to secure the Fibre Excellence paper pulp factory in Tarascon, located in the Bouches-du-Rhône department. This decision follows concerns about hazardous materials stored at the site. Although the factory was declared bankrupt at the end of July, the facility still contains a variety of materials and potentially dangerous substances that require careful handling. The Ministry of Ecological Transition explained that Ademe will conduct safety operations to ensure the protection of both the local population and the environment. The prefect of Bouches-du-Rhône, the regional administrative head, had previously issued several emergency orders for the site, which is classified as Seveso — a category used in the European Union to identify industrial sites that could pose significant risks to the environment and public safety. The prefect also filed a legal claim to receive daily compensation until the necessary safety measures are implemented by the judicial representatives overseeing the factory's liquidation. During an inspection, Ademe confirmed the presence of various substances at the site, including wood, hazardous products, and waste. Among these, there were liquid hazardous wastes primarily composed of liquors, as well as eleven tons of wood and significant quantities of chemical products such as hydrogen peroxide, propane, and heavy fuel oil. These materials require careful management to prevent environmental contamination or health risks. In the meantime, ICI Provence reported that a dozen former employees of Fibre Excellence were present at the site on Friday morning. Additionally, three individuals entered the premises with the aim of restarting the pumps and the paper mill's purification system. This suggests that some operations may still be in progress, even though the factory is in the process of being liquidated.