A Bassengeois blocks the entrance to the Trou Loulou cave: “It risks preventing a colony of 750 bats from hibernating”

Heidelberg Materials wishes to extend the Romont quarry, in Bassenge, to allow limestone extraction for an additional 20 years.

According to the SPW, contacted by us, “the tarpaulin, with many holes, possibly threatens the presence of flying animals“. “We will therefore ask the owner of the cave to remove it“, explains Nicolas Yernaux, the spokesperson. The latter confides “want to favor dialogue with the tarpaulin installer, who may not be aware of the upcoming arrival of the bats“.

“As Trou Loulou is private property, we cannot simply tear off the tarpaulin“, concludes the spokesperson, who nevertheless indicates “that damaging the habitat of a species is an offense“. In this case, if the owner refuses to remove the tarpaulin, the SPW, “worried about the fate of the colony“, will consider prosecution. The places were closed to the public a few years ago by the Bassenge authorities following the fall of stone in the tunnels.

Trou Loulou is not classified, but it is included in the list of the most important sites for the conservation of bats in the Walloon Region and represents “great cultural, heritage and biological interest” for the territory.

A non-profit association brings together 500 letters from citizens concerned about the extension of the Carrière du Romont, in Bassenge.

Note that a few years ago, many local residents made their voices heard in the context of the request to extend the Romont quarry, operated by Heidelberg Materials (formerly CBR). This old tufa quarry will finally be saved. Indeed, if the permit is granted by the Walloon Government, the new perimeter exploited by the cement producer will extend to the border of these galleries without digging there.