The dispute over a new four-lane motorway bridge over the Lågen Delta has been going on for many years. There have been countless rematches, with sharp fronts in the debate. The reserve was protected in 1990, to “preserve an important and special wetland area in its natural state”. 12 different species of ducks have been observed in the area. Today, the Norwegian Environment Agency decided that they are not in favor of a road development through the reserve. Ellen Hambro, director of the Norwegian Environment Agency, tells news that they have listened to the Ministry of Transport, which has pointed out that 110 zones are not necessary in all improvements to major road projects. The Norwegian Environment Agency therefore believes that there is no longer a good enough reason to make exceptions to the protection regulations. THRIVES IN WETLANDS: Mallard is a migratory bird that belongs to the duck family. Photo: Tore Vang / coolbird.no – A day of joy In June last year, there was a majority in the municipal council to put the zoning plan out for consultation. This was seen by the supporters of development as a victory. – This is a day of joy, said Conservative group leader Oddvar Møllerløkken then. E6 ADVOCATE: Oddvar Møllerløkken in Lillehammer Høyre. Photo: Lars Erik Skrefsrud / news In April this year, another setback came for the opponents. Then the State Administrator in the Interior agreed to the bridge solution. According to the professionals at the State Administrator, there are no routes with less harmful effects on conservation values outside or in the nature reserve. The decision also states that the road development is of great public interest. Disputed “replacement area” The State Administrator’s decision in April also meant that a so-called replacement area was to be established elsewhere. The intention was that this should compensate for the lost natural areas in Lillehammer. The replacement area will be 68 kilometers north of the Lågendelta, more specifically at Rykkhustjønnin in Sør-Fron. A new nature reserve was then to be established here. This led to comments from the Nature Conservancy that “the migratory birds do not follow detour signs.” FIGHTING TO THE LAST END: Torbjørn Dahl, leader of the Friends of the Lowlands. Photo: Lars Erik Skrefsrud / news Leader of the Friends of Lågendelta, Torbjørn Dahl, believes that a replacement area is so-called greenwashing. – There is a reason why the Lågen delta was protected. It is fundamentally important that this is maintained. He points out that the conservation area is already “punctured” with four bridges, and that a fifth is not acceptable. Division in the environmental movement There are different opinions in the environmental movement about what benefits bird life best. Freshwater biologist Morten Kraabøl and head of Birdlife Oppland, Jon Opheim, caused a stir when they argued in April this year that a new bridge would be better for bird life. ZEALOUS DEBATOR: Freshwater biologist Morten Kraabøl. Photo: Lars Erik Skrefsrud / news They refer to bird counts, which show that the large landing area for migratory birds is at the current traffic-heavy bridge. Thus, it would be better to establish a new bridge further north, and get less traffic in the most important grazing and resting areas for birds, they believe.
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The Environment Agency’s decision on a new motorway through the Lågendelta – news Innlandet – Local news, TV and radio
