Environmentalists from BUND organization criticize Merkur Spielbank in Siegburg, claiming multiple violations of various directives regarding environmental protection.
In the heart of Germany, the Gauselmann group has announced plans to build a modern casino in the industrial area of Siegburg, spanning 3,000 square meters. However, these plans may face revisions due to changes in guidelines, as environmental concerns surrounding the project have come to light.
The proposed casino, expected to attract up to 150,000 visitors annually, could bring significant tax revenues and gambling taxes to the city. Yet, it's the potential environmental impact that has sparked debate. BUND district spokesman Achim Baumgartner has been vocal in his criticism, arguing that building projects in floodplains today are highly irresponsible.
Baumgartner points to the 2021 Ahr flood as a stark reminder of the importance of preserving wide flood corridors to protect people living in the immediate vicinity of floodplains. He fears that the casino's construction could disrupt local habitats, increase traffic and pollution, and strain local resources.
To make the Sieg floodplain suitable for construction, the CDU and the Greens have proposed a solution: removing earth from another plot. Yet, this proposal has met with criticism from environmentalists, who argue that it could further exacerbate the environmental impact.
The Gauselmann group, for its part, has stated sustainability as a corporate goal alongside player protection. The company anticipates creating over 100 jobs with the casino's construction. However, the specifics of their environmental plans remain unclear.
The city of Siegburg is anticipating a relief for its budget with the casino's revenue, with millions expected. Yet, the final decision on the casino's construction will be made at a city council meeting on December 11, 2023. Until then, environmentalists have little time left to intervene, as the first works are already scheduled to begin before the city council meeting.
This proposed solution has been approved on the district and regional government levels. Yet, the environmental concerns remain a significant factor in the ongoing debate. As the city council prepares to make its decision, it will be crucial to consider the potential environmental impact and the measures proposed to mitigate it.
The Gauselmann group's proposed modern online casinos in Germany, planned for the industrial area of Siegburg, is currently under debate due to environmental concerns, such as disruption of local habitats and increased traffic and pollution. BUND district spokesman Achim Baumgartner argues that building projects in floodplains, like the casino, are highly irresponsible, citing the 2021 Ahr flood as a reminder of the importance of preserving wide flood corridors. The city council will make the final decision on the construction at a meeting on December 11, 2023, and environmentalists are working against time to intervene, as the first works are scheduled to begin before the meeting. Despite the company's focus on sustainability and job creation, the specifics of their environmental plans for the casino remain unclear.
