The progress of the Zac Campus in Colombelles (Calvados) and the protection of fauna and flora, very close to the large refrigeration plant of the former Normandy Metallurgical Society (SMN) was discussed during the Caen community council. la-Wed, Thursday December 19, 2024.
On these 14 hectares of industrial wasteland belonging to the urban community “and polluted for 30 years”, recalls Marc Pottier, mayor of Colombelles, nine should host the Normandy memory project, an immersive show on the Landing and the Battle of Normandy. But in this place there is a sprig of Montpellier polygon, a grassy plant, as well as wild rabbits and laughing frogs.
Enough to legally require Caen-la-Mer “to submit a protected species exemption file from January 2025”, recalls Nicolas Joyau, the president of the urban community. “We are working on environmental compensation to be able to continue the urbanization of the Zac”. Necessary and compatible work “with other projects if Normandy Memory does not see the light of day”.
A response in June 2025
To compensate for these 14 hectares of wasteland which will be developed, Caen-la-Mer had to offer as many hectares to allow the fauna and flora to develop in complete tranquility. “Nine hectares will be dedicated to this in Colombelles, near the wasteland between the Orne and the canal. One hectare will be to the south of the Archipel project between the Orne and the canal next to the port service at Hérouville-Saint-Clair » as well as four hectares of agricultural land in Bretteville-sur-Odon which will be used for organic market gardening.
The Regional Environmental Activity Mission (MRAE) in particular will look into the matter. If it meets the necessary conditions, “a prefectural exemption could be issued in June 2025”. And in this case, the compensatory land would be protected for 30 years and under controlled management. The Montpellier polygon strand would be moved by experts and closely monitored.
