Green League Files Complaint Against Construction Plan for Red Bull's Factory - Red Bull's Brandenburg expansion sparks jobs vs. water rights battle
Red Bull and Rauch are planning a major expansion in Brandenburg, including a new canning plant in Baruth/Mark. The project aims to boost production and create hundreds of jobs, growing the workforce from 240 to around 600 employees. However, environmental groups have raised concerns over water shortages in the drought-prone region.
The companies have acquired local bottler Urstromquelle and intend to build their own canning facility. They claim their water usage will stay within the limits previously set for Urstromquelle's operations. Yet environmentalists argue that the expansion could strain already depleted groundwater reserves.
The Teltow-Fläming area has faced declining water levels over the past five years, with reduced rainfall and heavy extraction worsening drought conditions. Current data shows significant drops in groundwater, a critical source for local supply. Grüne Liga Brandenburg, an environmental group, has filed a legal challenge against the town's zoning plan, fearing that water meant for mineral water production could instead be used for canned drinks.
Heinz-Herwig Mascher, chair of Grüne Liga, criticised the planning process for overlooking water availability. The group has also requested a temporary halt to the zoning plan while the case is reviewed. Meanwhile, Germany's Federal Environment Ministry confirmed that state authorities will closely examine the expansion's water impact.
The expansion could bring economic growth and new jobs to Baruth/Mark. However, its approval depends on whether state regulators find the water usage sustainable. The outcome of the legal challenge will determine whether the project moves forward as planned.
