They are fighting against the expansion of gravel quarrying in Stadl-Paura, where the environmental authority approved a 20-hectare piece of forest for gravel extraction in 2018. Even then, the occurrence of a population of the rare yellow-ringed butterfly had been documented. In view of the strict EU species protection, one should therefore not have agreed to gravel quarrying in this area.
The same applies to the expansion area of 46 hectares. In 2021, the Welser Kieswerke Treul & Co. applied for approval from the state government. According to “Protect” and the “citizens’ initiative against the expansion of gravel mining in Stadl-Paura”, there are also occurrences of the rare yellow-ringed butterfly there. Since then, the second EIA procedure has been suspended.
“In 2018, the procedure was not properly dealt with. The yellow-ringed butterfly was elegantly circumvented in the decision. It is not even mentioned, although there is an expert opinion. That is also the reason why Protect is filing a complaint with the state administrative court for omission,” emphasizes Herbert Huss from the citizens’ initiative. Therefore, the preparatory work for the planned works bridge over the Ager to the B1 would have to be stopped.
Treul managing director Ursula Huber-Wilhelm denies that the moth was ignored. “There are clear requirements that we naturally adhere to,” she responded to OÖN’s request. (fam)
Source: Nachrichten
