Fishing federation to challenge Viborg decision on Tange hydropower plant

Denmark’s Sports Fishing Federation plans to examine whether it can appeal a decision by politicians in Viborg to allow Tangeværket, Denmark’s largest hydropower plant, near Bjerringbro, to continue drawing water from Tange Lake, DR reports.

Federation chairman Torben Kaas said the decision appeared to be directly contrary to the law.

“A habitat assessment has been carried out to determine whether this kind of impact on nature from Tange Lake and the water extraction for the power plant is permitted. That assessment is completely clear. It is not allowed,” Kaas said.

Lars Mogensen of the Liberal Alliance, chairman of Viborg’s Climate, Environment and Nature Committee, dismissed the fishing federation’s criticism.

He said he did not believe there were grounds for challenging the decision, even though municipal officials had recommended banning Tangeværket from drawing water for environmental reasons.

“It does not surprise me that some people have a different view of things. That is to be expected. But I do not think it was an unlawful decision,” Mogensen said.

Four of the five parties on Viborg’s Climate, Environment and Nature Committee voted on Thursday to reject the officials’ recommendation.