The discussion about groundwater protection at the Tesla-Werk in Grünheide does not tear off. Since the construction of the Gigafactory in Brandenburg, initiatives and environmental activists have been in resistance to the project because they fear that the factory could pollute the local groundwater. However, the lower water authority of the Oder-Spree district has now confirmed that the groundwater protection Tesla is rated as sufficient.
Groundwater protection under constant observation
The latest controversy was used by a monitoring report of Tesla triggered for 2023, which suggested changes in water quality. Citizens' initiatives such as the “Wasser table Berlin-Brandenburg” in particular expressed their concern. They demanded that the groundwater be monitored by an independent company because they believe that Teslas is not sufficient for its own control measures. "Building in the water protection area requires extreme protective measures," said Heidemarie Schroeder from the water panel and emphasized the need for neutral monitoring of the groundwater.
No immediate danger according to the water association
The Wasserverband Strausberg-Kner, which is responsible for the water supply of the region, also confirmed that there were some increased values in the groundwater, especially with nitrate and certain metals. André Bähler, the association leader, explained that these values are currently no direct danger to drinking water quality. "If this trend continues, adjustments in water treatment could be necessary," said Bähler.
Tesla is responsible
Tesla The responsibility itself sees itself and emphasizes that the protection of the groundwater is of great importance for the company. Alexander Riederer from the Tesla-Management explained that the company had voluntarily taken measures that go beyond the legal requirements. There are now 25 measuring points for monitoring the groundwater on the factory premises in Grünheide. Tesla In addition, monitoring has expanded to over 50 different parameters, including plant protection products, although they are not used in the factory.
Official assessment: no pollution determined
The lower water authority of the district has also clarified that it has no indication of pollution of the groundwater by the Tesla-Fabrik found. "We can definitely rule out that any foreign substances get into the groundwater," said Sascha Gehm, the district's economic and environmental department. He added that the iron concentration in the groundwater in front of the Tesla-Art is even higher than according to what indicates a natural cleaning effect.
Conclusion and outlook
Although the current checks do not show an immediate danger to the groundwater, the situation in Grünheide remains a sensitive topic. The lower water authority and Tesla have assured that they continue to work transparently and maintain monitoring. The authorities want to remain vigilant, especially since the work is located in a water protection area and regularly publish the results.
With this comprehensive control and the additional measures Tesla Should the groundwater in the Gigafactory area continue to be well protected in the future. Nevertheless, it remains important that the authorities and Tesla continue to work closely together and the public is informed about all developments.
