The German federal government’s approval of Castor transports to the interim storage facility in Ahaus is drawing significant criticism from within the police force.
Patrick Schlüter, the state chairman of the German Police Union (GdP) for North Rhine-Westphalia, voiced concerns in an interview with the “Rheinische Post” stating that the decision represents a deferral of the crucial question of final nuclear waste disposal. He argued that repeatedly moving waste between interim storage sites is politically convenient but fails to address the underlying issue responsibly.
Schlüter highlighted the considerable logistical challenges these transports pose for the police. He noted that officers are already heavily burdened with existing workloads and concerns regarding the condition of the region’s infrastructure. He also acknowledged the unpredictable nature of potential public protest during the transports, emphasizing the need for comprehensive preparation.
The GdP has expressed doubts regarding the feasibility of completing the movements within the two-year timeframe stipulated in the permit. Schlüter further questioned the rationale behind the transfers, noting the containers have been stored in Jülich for over a decade without authorization and a satisfactory explanation for the relocation to Ahaus has not been offered. He indicated a perception within the union that the state government did not adequately advocate for relieving the police of this “mammoth task”.
