2023-07-31 18:07:10
The electric car manufacturer Tesla wants to expand its factory in Grünheide. The regional water association expects negative consequences for the groundwater. Tesla sees no problems.
Grünheide.
According to the regional water association, the planned expansion of the factory of the car manufacturer Tesla in Grünheide has significant consequences for the groundwater. If around one million square meters were sealed and around 963,000 square meters were built over, this would affect the formation of new groundwater, according to a statement by the Strausberg-Erkner water association on the expansion.
In addition, the groundwater had to be lowered again with a withdrawal of around 61,000 cubic meters. According to the water association, it was referring to an earlier version of the application for a first partial permit as part of the planned expansion. This application concerns changes to existing systems. The project will have a direct impact on the public drinking water supply. “This fact must be taken into account in the planning.”
Tesla: “Groundwater recharge will be strengthened”
The US electric car manufacturer does not share the concerns. “Any precipitation that occurs on the area mentioned will seep away at the site and contribute to the formation of new groundwater,” Tesla replied, according to information from the documents relating to the application for environmental approval for the expansion.
The area covered with coniferous forest before the factory was built allowed at most a small amount of new groundwater to form. With the settlement of the factory, all the rainwater falling on the sealed areas will seep away. “The groundwater recharge is strengthened.” According to the company’s plans, the need for fresh water should not increase with the expansion, Tesla had emphasized.
Part of factory in water protection area
Tesla wants to expand its plant in Grünheide in Brandenburg and is submitting applications in three parts for environmental approval to the state of Brandenburg. The goal is to double production capacity from 500,000 to one million cars a year. 22,500 employees are planned for this expansion.
Around 11,000 employees currently work in the factory in Grünheide, who produce an estimated 250,000 vehicles a year. Environmentalists and conservationists see dangers because part of the factory is located in a water protection area. According to its own statements, the water association, as a representative of public interests, is currently preparing a further statement on the expansion. (dpa)
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