© Chris Meisch
The expansion of the Tanklux oil depot in eastern Luxembourg is once again reigniting controversy in Grevenmacher and the surrounding area.
Tanklux, which is located in Mertert port, plans to more than double the capacity of its oil depot and has submitted a formal application for authorisation. Grevenmacher mayor Monique Hermes has expressed clear opposition to the project, while authorities across the Moselle river are equally unhappy with the plans.
The mayor does not agree with the planned expansion. The oil depot's current capacity is around 60,000 cubic metres, while Tanklux wants to increase this by an additional 90,000 cubic metres. The Ministry of the Environment considers the dossier complete, as studies assessing the environmental and safety impact of the expansion have already been completed.
A decade ago, former mayor Léon Gloden considered the same debate, reaching a consensus at that time. Hermes says she believes the same will happen again as the expansion is not in the municipality's best interest.
"There's a whole procedure. We had to post a notice, and now the public consultation stage is underway. On 2 December there will be a one-hour hearing for anyone wishing to attend, and comments can also be submitted in writing. We're seeking advice from an external company as well. There's no other solution. We have an engineer who's dedicated a lot of time to it, our alderman for the environment also has to participate, and me too, of course."
Citizens can consult the files in the affected municipalities until 2 December. During this period, written comments or complaints can be sent to the council. According to the mayor, electromobility should be promoted, not fossil fuels, not to mention the aesthetic aspect.
"The reservoirs aren't attractive and it will be even less so if there are more tanks. (...) We are clearly emphasising the visual aspect, the safety it implies, as well as the enormous additional capacity that would be added."
The small German town of Temmels, with roughly 800 inhabitants, is also affected as it lies directly opposite the oil depot on the other riverbank. For mayor Doris Köbernik, the depot is already a visual nuisance, and the idea that the facilities could be further expanded is incomprehensible to her. What worries her most is the issue of safety:
"It's not just about the visual aspect, but also about what happens in the event of a disaster. This would then have significant consequences for the municipality of Temmels. It's just the Moselle that separates us so it's not far. I honestly can say that in an emergency we'd have to evacuate Temmels residents."
Köbernik said she's always had a good relationship with her neighbouring counterparts in Luxembourg and is convinced they can reach an agreement. The municipalities have until 15 January to submit their opinions. However as the file is extremely large and made up of 11 folders, the councils have asked for an extension to the deadline.
In March 2015, the proposed expansion to the depot triggered protests in Grevenmacher. Photos can be seen here.
