Dispute over ongoing modification procedure at the LNG terminal - LNG Terminal Access Row: Public Denied Digital Docs Over Confidentiality
A dispute has arisen over the public's access to documents regarding modifications to the LNG terminal in Mukran, Germany. The German Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH) is responsible for providing digital doc, but these are currently inaccessible due to legal proceedings and confidentiality requirements. Deutsche Umwelthilfe (DUH) has raised concerns about inadequate public participation in the process.
The modification in question involves Deutsche Regas' switch from combined heat and power (CHP) to generators for electricity production, which will result in additional emissions. DUH has complained about the lack of public involvement in the approval procedure for this change. The application and supporting documents are available in physical form at the permitting authority during standard opening hours, but DUH argues that this makes a thorough review of the doc impossible.
The Environment Ministry has stated that the applicant, Deutsche Regas, objected to the online publication of the application docs due to concerns about trade secrets and business confidentiality. Minister Till Backhaus has clarified that the goal is not to withhold information but to protect sensitive security and corporate data while ensuring transparency and participation. The terminal is set to be retrofitted with catalytic converters and noise protection systems, necessitating the modification approval. DUH has criticized the fact that while the documents are available digitally to public authorities, they remain inaccessible to civil society.
The LNG terminal in Mukran is undergoing modifications that will affect its emissions and infrastructure. While the public has some access to the relevant documents, environmental groups argue that this access is insufficient. The Environment Ministry and Deutsche Regas have cited confidentiality concerns as a reason for the limited digital availability of the doc. The final outcome of this dispute remains to be seen.
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