Unblocked: A20's Construction Amid Legal Hurdles - What's Next for Ost-West-Trasse?
Yet-to-be-addressed concerns: What's the plan for the A20's ongoing construction? - "What is the current status of the A20, despite the lodged grievance?"
Let's get real, folks. The A20 motorway construction in Schleswig-Holstein is causing some serious heat between the environmental bigwigs and the state government. The Bundesvereinigung für Umwelt und Naturschutz Deutschland (BUND) has taken a legal stand against the further development, while Deutsche Bundes Naturschutzbund (NABU) is flirting with the idea, but holding back. Here's the down-low on this environmental flare-up.
The Lowdown
BUND is prepping for a legal fight at the Federal Administrative Court. They're claiming that the species and habitat protection aspects have been overlooked, big-time. Moreover, they've spotted some new planning flub-ups. "We're willing to meet for a heart-to-heart without going to court," said BUND's big cheese, Dietmar Ulbrich.
While NABU isn't diving headfirst into the legal fray, they're voicing their concerns. "The ecological and climate damage caused by A20 is not up for debate," states Alexander Schwarzlose, the NABU boss. Even the planned protective and compensatory measures aren't changing their stance, they said. The current crossing aids for bats are placed in unfortunate spots, and some crucial spots are lacking assistance entirely. Moreover, the planning motion toward several calcareous spring sources - a protected and super-rare biotope - is a major red flag.
However, the new resolution is less environmentally disastrous than the previous plan for Bad Segeberg. So, it seems like there's still room for improvement, but it's unclear if the plan aligns with environmental law.
"We trust that Minister Madsen will stick to his word and put our necessary improvements on the table without the need for a lawsuit," adds Schwarzlose.
Out-of-Court Settlement: Coming Up?
Preliminary work for the Bad Segeberg bypass could kick off this year, with BUND stepping back from the expedited legal protection. "This move means that the plan approval decision for the ten-kilometer long Segeberg section is immediately enforceable, provided that no other lawsuits are filed against the immediate enforcement," said Madsen. But since potential further lawsuits have until the end of May to be filed, there's still some uncertainty.
BUND, Deges, the Federal Highway Authority, and the state are aiming for an out-of-court agreement by November. Until then, the Federal Highway Authority and Deges will steer clear of construction measures, except for species protection preliminary activities, said Madsen. Both sides are eager to strike a deal that balances bat protection and the patience of the people in and around Bad Segeberg.
The coastal motorway has been parked east of Bad Segeberg for over a decade. In 2013, the Federal Administrative Court put a halt to further expansion. The court found the bat protection measures to be inadequate. The Segeberg limestone caves house the largest bat hibernation spot in Germany. Construction building law for the ten-kilometer long bypass around Bad Segeberg was issued in mid-March by the Planning Department.
Consequences of the Ruling
The ruling means that tunnels or protective structures like protective walls will be put in place to prevent bats from colliding with trucks. Around a tenth of the projected construction costs of 465 million euros for the section are linked to nature conservation issues, according to Deges.
So, will the A20 motorway see a green light amid this environmental drama? Stay tuned for updates!
- Despite the legal challenges from BUND and potential lawsuits, the A20 motorway's construction in Schleswig-Holstein is moving forward.
- BUND, a environmental advocacy group, has emphasized the need for attention towards species and habitat protection, citing oversights and planning errors.
- NABU, another environmental organization, has voiced concerns over the ecological and climate impact of the A20, but has not yet joined the legal battle.
- The current plan for the A20 motorway near Bad Segeberg is less environmentally catastrophic than the previous one. However, it remains unclear if it aligns with environmental law.
- BUND, along with several other parties, is aiming to reach an out-of-court agreement with the state regarding bat protection and construction measures by November.
