The Tour du Valat continues his campaign against the proposed extra-high-voltage overhead power line between Fos-sur-Mer and Jonquières-Saint-Vincent.
As part of the consultation process on the harmonisation of town planning documents, the Tour du Valat has submitted a response expressing its opposition to the proposed amendments. These could have significant consequences for soil, water, agriculture and biodiversity in an area already under considerable pressure.
Our analysis is based in particular on four key findings:
- Protected areas must not be used as a variable for adjusting to reindustrialisation. The removal of 7.5 km of ecological corridors from the Arles Local Urban Development Plan (PLU) would contribute to the fragmentation of natural areas of international importance.
- Cumulative impacts must be fully considered. Land-use change, biodiversity, water and landscapes: the decarbonisation of industry cannot be credible if it results in the degradation of ecosystems.
- Water is a major limiting factor in reindustrialisation. Until the water feasibility of the projects has been demonstrated, the projected energy requirements remain uncertain and the line could be planned for projects whose implementation is not guaranteed.
- There will be no local acceptance without true co-construction. Reopening the review of alternatives and taking the CNDP’s recommendations into account are essential to enable an informed decision.
For the Tour du Valat, the energy transition and the decarbonisation of industry must go together with the ecological transition, fully integrating the challenges of energy, land and water efficiency, as well as the ‘One Health’ approach.
The public inquiry is scheduled for the autumn. Campaigning continues, notably with an event organised on 19 September by the Stop THT collective. The Tour du Valat will continue to monitor the case and put forward its arguments during the next stages of the procedure.