Council of State revokes ‘No EIA needed’ decision on a stone quarry in Ordu

* Photo: ORÇEV

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The Council of State has handed down its ruling regarding the stone quarry planned to be opened in Ulubey district in Ordu province.

Examining the appeal against the "No Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) needed" decision given for the stone quarry to be opened by the Altınordu Municipality near water sources in Eymür Neighborhood, the Council has revoked the decision with no legal remedies available.

In the lawsuit filed by the Ordu Environment Association (ORÇEV), the Ordu 1st Administrative Court handed down its ruling on October 19, 2021 and revoked the decision. As the Municipality appealed against this ruling, the 6th Chamber of the Council of State examined it.

The 6th Chamber has now unanimously revoked the decision; the local court ruling against the "no EIA needed" decision has been upheld.

'We have been born again'

Making a statement, the ORÇEV Executive Board has said, "The Council of State has upheld the local court ruling. The legal process has been completed. The people of Eymür have won with our association."

Eymür Neighborhood Head Ferhat Pala has also welcomed the court ruling, saying, "We have been born again." Pala has briefly added:

"With this ruling, the people of Eymür have been born again. Our water sources and agricultural fields have been depleted. We have obtained the results of our unity and determination. We have won by forming public opinion together with the Ordu Environment Association in solidarity. I would like to thank everyone who has made efforts for this, to the Ordu Environment Association, to the press who has become our voice. The court has confirmed our rightfulness." (TP/SD)

* Source: Ordu Gazete