Provinces in the Netherlands, including Zeeland, Brabant, and Limburg, are worried about the continued rail transport of hazardous materials such as ammonia, which often pass through cities and residential areas, according to L1 News. Venlo alderwoman Marij Pollux, representing various South Netherlands municipalities, has called for transporting such dangerous goods via underground pipelines, highlighting concerns over safety and increased transport volumes.
A previous government plan proposed an underground pipeline system from Rotterdam to Germany for multiple substances. However, Minister Hermans recently announced that the project would only include pipelines for hydrogen and CO2, due to complexity and budgetary constraints.
Local municipalities, like Tilburg and Breda, view this decision as a missed opportunity to address industrial sustainability and safety issues while promoting housing development.
Source: NOS