The Strausberg-Erkner Water Association (WSE) has complained that U.S. car manufacturer Tesla is "constantly and significantly" exceeding wastewater limits at its plant near Berlin, reports Europapress.
According to the local water association in a document accessed by DPA, several requests and warnings to the company "were unsuccessful" and "no solution for the future was addressed or promised".
The WSE explains that the limits for refractory phosphorus and total nitrogen are being exceeded. At an extraordinary meeting to be held in March, the association plans to discuss whether it will discontinue wastewater disposal at Tesla's factory in Grünheide, just outside Berlin.
Otherwise, WSE could face additional costs amounting to millions of euros and a possible ban on the disposal of all the association's wastewater at the Münchehofe wastewater treatment plant.
The WSE explains that the limits for refractory phosphorus and total nitrogen are being exceeded
Tesla has indicated that it had not yet been informed about the extraordinary meeting or the relevant agenda item. The company explained that it uses its own facilities for the treatment of industrial wastewater.
"Wastewater is still produced from the operation of sanitary facilities and kitchens," Tesla responded. "With the elimination of industrial wastewater, the wastewater discharged from the gigafactory is composed like typical municipal wastewater."
Recently, Tesla has faced criticism from local residents regarding its plans to expand its 300-hectare factory site in Grünheide. In a non-binding vote, a large majority of residents voted against the expansion.
Environmental activists also oppose the plans, citing the necessary clearing of the forest and that part of the area is located within a water protection zone.
