Fertilizer disaster in the Eichsfeld: thousands of fish dead, where is the help?

Fertilizer disaster in the Eichsfeld: thousands of fish dead, where is the help?

Westerode, Deutschland - Last week, a questionable environmental disaster occurred in Eichsfeld, more precisely in Westerode. The emissions of several thousand liters of liquid fertilizers from a silo have led to a massive fish death that has seriously affected not only the local waters, but also the wildlife in the region. Around three kilometers of the river route of the Hahle are now biologically dead, and thousands of fish and many small creatures were found dead. This drastic situation was by Göttinger Tageblatt, but a public discussion reports Or an outcry has been left out so far. Even politicians and the Lower Saxony Ministry of the Environment do not comment on these dramatic developments.

What exactly happened? According to information from [NDR] (https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/niedersachsen/braunschweig_harz_Goettingen/Actonende-tote-fische-fluessigduenger-beucht-bei-bei-duderstadt, the liquid fertilizer on an agricultural operation in Westerode and arrived via a grave system in the hahl. The fertilizer, which contains ammonia - a fabric, which is highly toxic - led to massive damage. Numerous dead fish, including dozens of brown trout and hundreds of greenery, were pulled out of the water by members of the Fishing Club Rollshausen. The Lower Saxony Angler Association described the incident as "total damage". Other animals such as otter, heron and kingfishers are also affected by this incident.

The effects on the environment

Ralf Gerken from the Lower Saxony Angler Association emphasizes that the ecological damage is enormous. Above the accident, it was swarming with life before, while a total failure was found under the initiation of the fertilizer. The district of Göttingen has already started an investigation to clarify the exact causes of this incident. So far it is unclear whether a technical defect, human failure or even intent is behind the silo run. The police are investigating water pollution, a serious matter that is legally pursued according to § 324 StGB.

The affected facility has now been removed and a renovation of the dirty surfaces has been arranged. An independent water ecological report has also been commissioned, but it will be used for several weeks. Studies indicate that nature could need up to ten years to recover from these serious damage. This also raises questions about the approval of the system near a stream and for the safety of the company.

health aspects and long -term consequences

The nationwide discussion about water pollution is highly topical. Facts such as the water contamination in Germany is considered the second most common environmental offense, show the need for continuous attention and measures to prevent such incidents. According to [Wikipedia] (https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/gew%C3%A4sser pollution), the treatment and avoidance of water loads is now supported by stricter regulations and protected areas that are intended to contain water pollution.

In the meantime, the question remains: Where is the outcry of the public? The incident in Duderstadt not only throws a light on the dangers of agriculture, but also makes it clear how important the protection of our waters is. This is a topic that must be taken seriously from all sides - politics, community and environmental activists before it is too late.