Planned gravel pit sparks concern in Pettenbach

A planned gravel pit near the Steinfelden settlement in Pettenbach, in the Kirchdorf district, has drawn criticism from residents concerned about noise, dust and traffic. ORF reports that the operator of a gravel works bought a nearby field for extraction, which is expected to start next year.

Residents say the planned excavation area is much closer to homes than they had understood and are worried about heavy machinery, dust and additional traffic. The company’s managing director has announced an information meeting for mid-October to present the plans and answer questions.

The company says extraction will begin only after it receives all required permits and meets the conditions attached to them. The distance between the planned pit and the settlement is a particular point of dispute. Mayor Leopold Bimminger told ORF Upper Austria that a minimum distance of 300 metres from residential areas should generally be maintained. Residents said a plan enclosed with the meeting invitation showed a distance of about 100 metres.

Bimminger said it still needed to be examined whether a shorter distance could be permitted. Pettenbach’s municipal council will also consider the project, but no decisions have been made.