Overview
- The Tarn prefect issued a conservatory order pausing work only on areas outside the authorized footprint, backed by daily penalties of up to €4,500 for non-compliance.
- Prosecutors asked the judge of liberties to impose an environmental emergency injunction suspending works on 46 identified sites, with a €10,000-per-day penalty after a two-day grace period.
- Investigations by the French Office for Biodiversity and the gendarmerie, including recent helicopter overflights, confirmed numerous off-perimeter works, with surface estimates ranging from about 31 hectares to roughly 42–45 hectares depending on sources.
- After the December 19 hearing, the criminal emergency decision was deferred to January 12, while the administrative court of appeal is due to rule December 30 on the validity of the overall environmental authorization.
- Atosca argues perimeter adjustments are normal and temporary and pledges restoration or compensation, as construction continues in areas not covered by the freeze or the requested suspensions.