Controversy over Proposed Timber Mill in Latgale Natural Reserve

In the picturesque Daugavas loki nature park, a planned pellet production plant by SIA "Logeri" has been undergoing rigorous environmental and regulatory assessments. The proposed project, a pellet production workshop, has been met with a mix of anticipation and concern from locals and environmental groups.

The location of the workshop, within the protected landscape area "Augšdaugava", has been permitted by the Nature Conservation Authority (DAP). However, the Construction Board of the Augšdaugava municipality council has not yet issued a permit for the plant. This is due to the project requiring multiple permits, including environmental impact assessments, building permits, and compliance with protected area regulations.

Local authorities and environmental agencies have been reviewing the applications carefully to ensure no significant harm to the nature park’s ecosystem. As of now, the plant has not yet received all the necessary permits, with some approvals still pending, particularly environmental clearance related to protected species and habitat concerns.

The community and environmental groups have expressed concern about potential impacts, which has influenced the thorough scrutiny by regulators. The company behind the project has stated its commitment to meeting all environmental standards and collaborating with local authorities.

Construction work on the pellet production plant is currently suspended, with the tentative start date for construction depending heavily on final approval. This could take several more months, possibly into late 2025 or early 2026. The company is currently required to fulfill additional measures, including building a protective wall and carrying out green planting, before construction can commence.

Vecpils resident, doctor Aleksejs Jefremkins, is among those expressing concern. He fears potential violations of European park regulations, the impact on protected plants, and the planned capacity of the plant. Jefremkins suggests the plant be located in other, more suitable industrial locations.

The location of the proposed workshop is near the village of Vecpils in Naujene parish. The site currently has a hangar, heavy equipment, and mounds of earth, but there was no activity when Latvian Radio visited. Ināra Miglāne, head of the Naujene Association, stated that the area is a Soviet-era legacy that was previously polluted and had half-destroyed workshops and piles of debris.

The State Environmental Service (SES) has issued technical regulations for the conversion of a barn into a timber processing plant at the site. However, Latvian Radio was unable to contact the company for comment regarding the current status of the project or their stance on the concerns raised by the community and environmental groups.

As the situation continues to unfold, the future of the pellet production plant in Daugavas loki nature park remains uncertain. The company and responsible institutions will need to respond to the concerns raised and meet the necessary conditions to proceed with the project. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.

The European Union's regulations for protected parks may be at risk if the pellet production plant by SIA "Logeri" is approved, according to concerns expressed by doctor Aleksejs Jefremkins and other environmental groups.
The pellet production plant, if constructed in its current location near the village of Vecpils in Latgale, could potentially harm protected plants and plants' habitats, as the site was previously polluted and heavily industrially used.
Though the Nature Conservation Authority (DAP) has given permission for the plant's location within the protected landscape area "Augšdaugava", the Construction Board of the Augšdaugava municipality council has not yet issued a permit, requiring environmental impact assessments, building permits, and compliance with protected area regulations.
The pellet production plant's impact on the environment is not the only concern for local authorities and environmental agencies, as the plant, if built, would be a new addition to the area's media landscape, with potential impacts on local sports, tourism, business, financial, and science industries.
In an attempt to address community and environmental group concerns, the company behind the project, SIA "Logeri", has stated its commitment to meeting all environmental standards and collaborating with local authorities to ensure the preservation of the nature park’s ecosystem.
The SIA "Logeri" pellet production plant, if approved, would also contribute to the industrial sector in Latvia, providing a boost for the Latvian lumber and pellet production industry, as well as providing employment opportunities for the residents of Daugavas loki nature park's surrounding areas.