After the illegal construction is blown: Authorities control the Tesla plant near Berlin


After a black building that was blown
Authorities control the Tesla plant near Berlin

When setting up its plant near Berlin, Tesla once again waived the approval for individual components. Not only is there a threat of a fine, the entire construction site is being put through its paces by the Environment Agency.

After the construction of unauthorized tanks on his planned factory in Grünheide, the Tesla construction site is now being subjected to a major inspection. This was announced by the Ministry of the Environment. In addition to the fine proceedings against the US electric car maker, “an extensive review of the entire construction site” will be carried out, a spokesman said. “With this, the supervisory authority wants to ensure after the construction of unauthorized tanks by Tesla that no further unauthorized activities have been carried out on the site,” it says.

The construction site of Tesla’s first electric car factory in Europe is well advanced, although the decision on the final environmental approval by the state of Brandenburg is pending. Originally, Tesla wanted to start production in July of this year and is now planning to do so for the end of 2021. The decision has been delayed because the company has expanded its application for the car factory, including the one for a battery factory.

But Tesla is building through several early approvals for individual steps. “The State Office for the Environment (LfU) had found during the on-site inspection that several tanks had been set up by the developer, although there was no permit for them,” said the ministry spokesman on Thursday. “The LfU is therefore preparing a fine procedure. Commissioning the tanks is not permitted. The LfU also checks whether further measures are necessary.”

The US electric car maker had also temporarily laid underground pipes on the construction site without a permit. According to earlier information from Tesla group circles, it was said that the car manufacturer had assumed that the laying of underground lines above the water table was already covered by a decision. Tesla had also initially started testing for stakes, although there was no permit.

.