In 1993, environmental organisations, the Department of Transport, Communications and Energy, and the Federal Office of Transport discuss unresolved questions relating to the NRLA. The «construction project of the century» throws up a number of controversial issues: how much environmental protection is possible and necessary; how can environmental organisations influence the choice of route; how are the public to be kept informed about the planning process? A key platform for the debate is the environmental working group.
« Based on hearsay, it seems highly likely that the limits will be exceeded. »
Vincenzo Gianella, Swiss Agency for the Environment, Forests and Landscape (management, Head of Environmental Impact Assessments), Minutes of the discussion at the environmental workshop on the Lötschberg axis on 19 February 1993 (air quality)