4: Habitation - The residents’ lack of enthusiasm

The residents’ lack of enthusiasm

As the HGK thinks that Niehl Harbour cannot manage future demands, the harbour capacity in Godorf is to be further developed. The residents of Godorf did not welcome the idea of developing the harbour for various reasons.

Industrial harbours are usually quite loud and the residents fear that the noise pollution during the development of the harbour will increase significantly.

Furthermore, the Sürth Plain, a natural conservation area and flood plain in the immediate vicinity of the Godorf Harbour that many residents use for local recreation and relaxation, would be developed. The residents also worry that the development of the harbour would result in a significant increase in the traffic in Godorf and in the surrounding area, which would indirectly trigger an increase in the local air and noise pollution.

The experts also debate on the development of the harbour would be beneficial. Paul Kröfges from the BUND, Rainer Lucas from Citizen Consultation and Jan Zeese from the HGK are among those who have opinions on this matter.