Divergences about the industrial future of Mont-roig del Camp
A diverse group of organizations has decided to face the industrial project, which aims to establish Lotte Energy Materials in Mont-roig del Camp, presenting two legal actions against the modification of the Municipal Urban Planning Plan (POUM) promoted by the Local City Council.
Union of Entities Against Pollution
On the one hand, the GEPEC, Farmers Union and the Mont-roig Club Neighborhood Association have joined, while the environmental organization has chosen to file a separate appeal. This modification of the POUM seeks to regulate industrial activities for the Comellarets area and establish limits for the height of the buildings.
Judicial procedure underway
The High Court of Justice of Catalonia (TSJC) has admitted the two demands, thus initiating a judicial process that promises to be long. Albert Calduch, a lawyer specializing in environmental law who advises the GEPEC, said that once he obtained the POUM file, he will be able to elaborate the demand and argue the reasons for his opposition. “The modification of the POUM is the first step towards the installation of the industry. We will not allow any step forward for such a polluting industry,” he said.
Concerns about safety and public health
The viper, through its founder Joan Manel Olivella, has expressed concerns about the security of the project, noting that Lotte would violate the security distances required to operate with dangerous substances. According to Olivella, the company would manipulate “1,700 tonnes of dangerous acids annually”, which would require compliance with European regulations Seuo, which regulates dangerous chemical facilities.
The need for effective regulations
Olivella has warned that Mont-roig del Camp does not have the necessary security systems, such as firefighters and fast evacuation protocols, to comply with these regulations. “We cannot allow this factory to jeopardize the health of the population,” he said.
Free Justice: A step forward
The viper appeal has been presented under the free justice scheme, a fact that Olivella has celebrated as a recognition of the importance of action for the community. He also said that he did not join the GEPEC for his different technical approach.
Judicial expectations and future implications
Calduch said that the TSJC may take more than two years to dictate a sentence in this type of case, which could alter Lotte’s plans, which sought to start production in 2027. The lawyer has warned that the company will need administrative permits that are not yet public, and expressed its intention to monitor any attempt to accelerate the process by the authorities.
Commitment to transparency
Calduch has reiterated that they will not accept excuses that will allow the company to circumvent the legal procedures. Olivella, on the other hand, has warned that if the judge failed in favor of opponents, the City Council could have to deal with substantial compensation in Lotte. “The responsibility would fall on the members of the governing body if the work begins and the POUM is annulled,” he concluded.
Story of endurance
A few months ago, the factory works were stopped thanks to a complaint filed by opponents, a reminder that the community continues to struggle to preserve the health and well -being of the municipality in the face of projects that can commit its future.