Quand le risque industriel est synonyme de dynamiques urbaines

• Main Author: Nicolas Grembo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Université Lille 1 2014-09-01
• Series: Territoire en Mouvement
• Subjects: industrial risk; prevention; urban dynamic; urban wasteland; Cognac
• Online Access: http://journals.openedition.org/tem/2627

Issues related to the relationship between risk and industrial urban areas arise mainly for certain types of industrial facilities (often in connection with the chemical industry or hydrocarbons) and mainly for industrial risks. The town of Cognac knows this problem with a specific activity that is on the surface far from the image of an industry at risk. Yet industrial risks (including major ones) are present because of its activity related to brandy (cognac). The storage cellars and alcohol distilleries are closely monitored and are careful to specific regulations particularly in terms of risk management. It should be remembered that Cognac houses five of these establishments meeting the Seveso II Directive and many other sites are subject to reporting, mostly located in urban areas. The city hosts many from its center to its outskirts. Indeed, the city began its cognac history in the seventeenth century, Cognac was built and developed with this activity : they share a common history and space. The landscape is marked by this activity, the aging cellars of alcohol, these distilleries and other buildings cognac companies that are part of its heritage. The challenge is to raise awareness of these risks to the inhabitants of industrial agglomeration as these institutions are familiar, are an integral part of the history and economy of the city. Local actors need this industry because it has an important role in the dynamics of urban Cognac. This has to confront the risk prevention policies that require the relocation of stocks of alcohol. There is a cohabitation between industrial / urban spaces that intertwines risk prevention and urban dynamics.