Walheim: Sewage sludge incineration plant approved despite citizen protests!

Walheim: Sewage sludge incineration plant approved despite citizen protests!

The Stuttgart regional council has given the green light for the construction of a sewage sludge incineration plant in Walheim. This decision was made despite significant opposition and numerous objections. The permit covers both the construction and installation of the system, which has not yet received an operating permit. This decision is the result of a “comprehensive review” of the 731 objections submitted through spring 2024. According to the information from Stuttgart News The approval under emissions control law is a bound decision and leaves no scope for discretion for the authority.

A preliminary decision on compliance with operator obligations and the regulation on the incineration of waste was also approved. However, a second partial permit is required for the final operation of the system. In addition, a separate water law procedure is required for the planned groundwater extraction.

Resistance from the municipalities

The citizens' initiative “Citizens in the Neckar Valley” has expressed its dissatisfaction with the approval, but sees it as to be expected. Mayor Christoph Herre von Walheim rejects the construction of the facility and expresses concerns about the quality of life in the Neckar Valley. Neighboring communities such as Walheim, Kirchheim, Gemmrigheim and Besigheim have already filed a lawsuit against the early start of construction and are waiting for further information on the building permit. These cities also require strict requirements for emissions and noise protection as well as the technical design of the system.

In December 2024, an exchange about the planned sewage sludge incineration plant took place, organized by the Stuttgart regional council. Mayors from various municipalities and representatives of Energie Baden-Württemberg AG (EnBW) took part in this meeting. It was agreed that further meetings would take place to address possible concerns and technical issues. On January 29, 2025, the parties involved met again to discuss the current status of the proceedings rp.baden-wuerttemberg.de reported.

Technical suggestions and traffic load

EnBW is examining technical suggestions from municipalities and aims to dismantle the existing chimney. Concerns about the traffic impact of additional truck traffic were also raised. In this context, an examination of the options for transporting the vapor wastewater, possibly by rail, is also being considered.

In addition, EnBW plans to quickly offer discussions with the local population in order to inform residents about the project and listen to their concerns. This could be an important step to increase acceptance in the region.