Ence will continue at the foot of the Pontevedra estuary in Lourizán until 2073. OPEN and eleven organizations against National Court decisions annulling the Decision of the Director-General for Coast and Marine Sustainability of January 20, 2016 60-year extension of concession to ENCE to occupy a land and sea public domain strip for a pulp mill in PontevedraAs reported by the Supreme Court after hearing the matter this morning.
The Chamber considers that concessions prior to the General Coastal Law of 1988 may be extended, provided that positive environmental reports are recorded, as it were. Positive news came from the Administration on the subject under investigation.
Judge Ángeles Huet has a special vote in the decision.
In other appeals considered at today’s meeting, the same Section, again on the extension of offshore public domain concessions, but referring to housing, upheld the Administration’s decision to refuse the extension, also supported by the National Court, because this Denial was supported by negative environmental reports. These were the houses located on the coast of Babilonia in Guardamar del Segura (Alicante). The exact content of the sentences that Judge Ángeles Huet will especially vote on will be revealed in the coming days.
“Uncertainty disappears”
The company showed its satisfaction with the decision of the Supreme Court, which guaranteed its continuity in Lourizán, in a statement.
He emphasizes that this decision “removes the uncertainty about the future of this facility and the 5,100 families associated with its operation. It also provides the company with the necessary security to realize its future plans at this bio-factory.”
Ence states that “this factory, which will always remain at the forefront of efficiency, best available technologies and sustainability, will continue to focus on creating sustainable wealth and employment in Galicia through its operation” and mentions the positive impact this has on the income statements: “As a result of the decisions of the National Court, The reversal of asset impairments and expense allowances recorded in the 2021 financial statements will have a positive impact on the company’s profits in 2022 by an estimated €169 million.”
green peace
NGO Greenpeace said, “It regrets the court’s decision to uphold the 60-year extension granted to the paper mill in 2016 by the current government of Mariano Rajoy.”
“This penalty will not allow the offshore-land public area of the Pontevedra estuary to be freed from highly damaging activity that is inconsistent with the Coastal Code, as it could take place anywhere else,” he adds.
According to Greenpeace, Ence’s presence in the estuary “is not justified, as declared by the National Court and despite the Supreme Court’s decision, as it hinders the recovery of the Lourizán marsh for the natural heritage, public interest and welfare of Galicia.” Restore the catastrophe of the last 60 years”.
Finally, Greenpeace stated that it will “continue with legal advocacy and non-violent direct action to protect the Lourizán marshes.”
Source: Informacion
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