Tesla is once again facing environmental concerns in Germany, with new allegations that Giga Berlin is contaminating the local water supply.
This latest concern has been brought up by local water authorities over the discharge of hazardous pollutants into the water system, potentially affecting Berlin’s drinking water supply.
According to a report from the local publication Stern, which has targeted Tesla and Giga Berlin with negative reports in the past, the factory has been releasing pollutants at levels six times higher than permitted, with warnings reportedly issued to Tesla on five occasions since last March regarding the excessive levels of phosphorus and nitrogen in the water.
The Strausberg-Erkner Water Association (Wasserverband Strausberg-Erkner), the regional water board for the region where the factory is located, has called a meeting for this Friday to discuss the issue, but has already contacted local mayors requesting Tesla close its wastewater discharge immediately, a move that could potentially freeze production at the facility.
Despite these allegations, Tesla maintains that its wastewater treatment processes are effective and do not negatively impact the local sewage system or the environment. In response to the report, a Tesla spokesman told Stern that the company’s facility is equipped with wastewater treatment systems that are capable of completely recycling processed water, and that its effluent does not adversely affect local sewage treatment operations.
Local scientists and environmentalists argue however that contaminants from the factory are making their way to the River Spree and subsequently into the drinking water supply, according to The Telegraph.
This is just the latest environmental hurdle for Tesla to overcome as it relates to Giga Berlin. During the factory’s construction environmental groups raised numerous concerns, even leading to the half of construction.
More recently, a vote saw Grünheide residents opposing a proposal to clear 250 acres of forest to expand Giga Berlin, citing concerns for forest and water protection.
