Storm warning on the pier? The Environmental Authority (AE) is hardly kind to the Port of Dunkirk extension project in the North. In a second opinion, which it has just made, the AE points, as in the first, to breaches of environmental regulations. This opinion, however, is only advisory and it will then be up to the prefecture to approve (or not) the project. In the meantime, the public inquiry is being held until September 8.
It was in the early 2000s that the Port of Dunkirk decided to launch its transformation. Objective: to develop the container sector. Thus, the site plans, next year, the extension of the western quays with the creation of a new port terminal.
Inaccurate compensation measures
This work should make it possible to double the reception capacity in order to remain competitive vis-à-vis the competition from the main ports between Le Havre and Hamburg. The northern port plans to increase its market share from 0.7% in 2016 to 2.3% in 2035.
The project notably envisages the artificialization of one million m³ of agricultural and natural surface. However, the EA deplores in particular that the compensation measures for the destruction of natural environments remain imprecise and that the preservation of the marine habitat of certain animals is not guaranteed. “The imperative reasons of major public interest put forward to justify the destruction of habitats of protected species are above all economic”, does not hesitate to denounce the AE.
The instance multiplies criticism on other areas. “The analysis of the impacts of the project in terms of salt intrusion is referred to a study not presented in the file, as is the evolution of the management of water gangs. The measures relating to the impacts of the project on water management, in the context of climate change, are no more documented than in the initial file”, deplores the EA.
Contacted by 20 minutesthe Port of Dunkirk did not respond.