Tesla exceeding wastewater limits at Berlin plant, association says
US car manufacturer Tesla is "constantly and significantly" exceeding wastewater limits at its plant near Berlin, according to a local water association.
"Several requests and warnings remained unsuccessful," the Strausberg-Erkner Water Association (WSE) wrote in a document available to dpa.
"A remedy was neither addressed nor promised for the future."
The limits for refractory phosphorus and total nitrogen are being exceeded, the WSE wrote.
At an extraordinary meeting in March, the association plans to discuss whether it will discontinue wastewater disposal at the Tesla factory in Grünheide, just outside Berlin.
Otherwise, the WSE could face additional costs totalling millions of euros and a possible a ban on the disposal of all association wastewater at the Münchehofe sewage treatment plant.
Tesla said it had not yet been informed about the extraordinary meeting or the corresponding agenda item. The company said it uses its own plants for the treatment of industrial wastewater.
"Wastewater is still produced from the operation of sanitary facilities and kitchens," Tesla said. "With the elimination of industrial wastewater, the wastewater to be discharged from the Gigafactory is composed like typical municipal wastewater."
Recently, Tesla has faced criticism concerning its plans to expand its 300-hectare factory site in Grünheide from local residents. In a non-binding vote, a large majority 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.
