The case, brought by various nature organizations, revolves around the question of whether nitrogen emissions remain within the standards. According to environmental organization Mobilization for the Environment (MOB), the nitrogen calculation used is incorrect. According to MOB, racing causes damage to the protected nature around the circuit.
“The permit does not lead to more nitrogen deposition,” the court concludes. “The Provincial Executive of Noord-Holland (GS) was allowed to grant the permit to the circuit in Zandvoort.”
“The court has established that in the old situation the circuit area could be used all year round for car and motor sports activities and other major events, including Formula 1. In the permit granted, the use of the circuit area is limited to 28 days a year. An emission ceiling is also included in the permit. This was not the case in the old situation,” said the administrative judge.
“The court therefore comes to the conclusion that the nitrogen deposition and emission due to the granted permit will always be less than was permitted in the old situation. Because the granted permit does not lead to more nitrogen deposition, it is impossible that the use and performance of work on the circuit site will have significant consequences for the nearby Natura2000 area.”
MOB lost a lawsuit last August. The judge in preliminary relief proceedings then established that the positions of the environmental organization and the circuit were too far apart and that additional expert research was necessary. The disputed nitrogen emissions have been investigated by the Administrative Jurisdiction Advisory Board (STAB).
Zandvoort will be on the Formula 1 calendar again in September.
