Istria�s Eastern Coast Line Can�t Transform into Industrial Zone

GONG

In partnership with Zelena Istra (Green Istria>, the GONG held a debate in Labin, May 25, to discuss the location of the LNG (Liquid Natural Gas) terminal and the possibility to construct a third thermoelectric power plant in Plomin that would use coal as fuel. The large audience that gathered to follow the debate confirmed the great interest and concern of the local population about the future welfare of their region.

The debate also confirmed the notorious fact that experts, corporations and central government ignore the local communities when planning such huge infrastructural and energy facilities. Namely, in spite of confirmed presence, no representatives from the Ministry of Economy or Croatian Electric Company appeared at the debate.

Bruno Hrvatin, the Mayor of Labin, and Tulio Demetlika, Member of Istria Government responsible for economy and sustainable development, did come to the debate, but they couldn�t provide answers to many questions. What were the findings of the survey of the best location of LNG terminal? Were environmental protection and safety of local population taken into account during the survey? What is the exact location in the rather narrow Bay of Plomin?

The participants in the debate were largely opposed to the construction of Plomin 3 power plant and the construction of LNG terminal in the Bay of Plomin, fearing that they may endanger public health and other economic activities, such as tourism. The possibility of moving out off the area if the two facilities are constructed was mentioned by several participants in the debate.

The greatest protests were caused by the targeted transformation of Istria�s eastern coast into an inferior industrial zone, as well as the promotion of Plomin as the best location of LNG terminal by the President of Istria County, without consultation with the local community. On the other hand, the position of the County authorities that they won�t allow the construction of TE Plomin 3 power plant was reiterated at the debate.