In a wooded area near the Teslafactory in Grünheide (Oder-Spree), a 250-kilogram world war bomb was found. This discovery has led to considerable security measures and discussions, as the affected area is also home to a protest camp of environmental activists opposed to the planned expansion of Tesla are demonstrating.
Discovery site and security measures
The bomb was discovered on the site where Tesla is planning its expansion. The public order office of the municipality of Grünheide confirmed the discovery and is currently working in consultation with the explosive ordnance disposal service and the police on a safe procedure for defusing or detonating the bomb. An exclusion zone is being examined, the size of which has yet to be determined.
Background and political debate
Brandenburg's Interior Minister Michael Stübgen (CDU) had already warned of possible dangers from old explosive ordnance in the area in April. These warnings led to a dispute with the Ministry of the Environment. Stübgen emphasized the concrete danger for demonstrators, police and forestry workers, as the affected area was heavily bombed at the end of the Second World War.
Effects on the protest camp
The protest camp, consisting of several tree houses, was set up by environmental activists who were protesting against the expansion plans of Tesla expansion plans. These plans have already been adjusted following criticism from the local population: Tesla reduced the clearing area and dispensed with some building projects such as training rooms and a daycare center, but is sticking to the construction of a freight station.
It is still unclear whether the camp will have to be cleared due to the bomb disposal. The risks and necessary safety measures are currently being weighed up.
Legal dispute between activists and police
The activists have been active in the forest since the end of February. The police had issued conditions for the camp, which were challenged by the activists in court. In mid-March, the administrative court in Potsdam ruled in favor of the activists, a decision that was confirmed by the Berlin-Brandenburg Higher Administrative Court in May. The security concerns of the police were deemed "insufficiently substantiated".
Conclusion
The discovery of the world war bomb near the Tesla-factory in Grünheide underlines the complexity and dangers of expanding industrial plants in historically contaminated areas. The necessary safety measures could affect both the construction plans of Tesla as well as the activities of the protest camp activists. The situation remains tense as the authorities must now act quickly and safely to eliminate the danger.
