Potsdam's Persistent Pit - OVG Stands Firm on Gravel Sand Mining
The 'Fresdorfer Heide' open-cast gravel sand mine, nestled in a protected landscape area south of Potsdam, remains a contentious issue. The Berlin-Brandenburg Higher Administrative Court (OVG) denied an emergency appeal lodged by the Nature Conservation Association over expansions to the mine. The court's decision, issued on Friday, allows the mine to carry on operating, for now.
The proposed mining plan, approved by the State Office for Mining in November, permits continued mining on the existing sites while expanding into an additional 16 hectares. Plans for total reclamation of the 50 hectares used for mining were also endorsed.
The OVG's reason for green-lighting the decision revolved around balanced considerations, with concerns over eagle owl breeding pairs, among others, taken into account. The court weighed these against the benefits of keeping the mine operational. Halting operations could potentially threaten jobs and harm the mining company, it argued.
Going Against the Grain in Berlin
Undeterred, the Nature Conservation Association has signaled its intent to challenge this ruling in a higher court, with the aim of impeding the expansion of the 'Fresdorfer Heide' open-cast gravel sand mine in the Berlin vicinity. Meanwhile, mining operations continue in Brandenburg, with potential implications for numerous eagle owl breeding pairs and surrounding ecosystems.
The Broader Impact of Mining
Broadly speaking, mining activities, including open-cast gravel sand mining, can trigger substantial environmental effects, such as land alteration, water contamination, pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. These could adversely impact local ecosystems and biodiversity. Moreover, mining operations can negatively affect nearby communities, potentially impacting access to resources like fish, medicinal plants, and amphibians.
Eagle Owls and Mining in Potsdam
In the context of the 'Fresdorfer Heide' mine, specific information about its impact on eagle owl breeding pairs and surrounding ecosystems was not available in the provided sources. To uncover such details, you would need to consult local environmental reports, wildlife studies, or court decisions concerning this issue.
