Fertilizer disaster in Westerode: Thousands of fish die in the cave!

Fertilizer disaster in Westerode: Thousands of fish die in the cave!

On Tuesday night there was a worrying incident on a company site in Westerode: a large amount of liquid fertilizer escaped from a silo and got into the Hahle via the Wipper and the Nathe. The exact cause of the accident is currently being investigated, but the consequences are already catastrophic. Thousands of fish in the waters around Westerode have died in what is being described as a massive fish kill. Ralf Gerken from the Lower Saxony Anglers' Association (AVN) makes it clear that considerable ecological damage has been caused here. What is particularly worrying is that angler-complicated species such as brown trout and bitterlings are affected.

The Rollshausen fishing club expresses concerns that the fish die-off could possibly progress. Anglers have already recovered dozens of dead fish along a stretch of around 800 meters, including gudgeon and brook lamprey. “The fish stock that we have cultivated over the years has been lost,” complains a club member about the enormous economic damage that is now threatening the fishing clubs. The impact on the fish population downstream towards Gieboldehausen is so far unclear, and the Rhume, an important habitat for fish, could also be affected.

Rescue operations are underway

The fire brigade was quickly on the scene after the liquid fertilizer leak was reported. However, due to the surge-like flow of the fertilizer, this could not prevent a large portion from ending up in the waterways. To limit the impact, the silo's pump was turned off and an earth berm was built to stop the damage from spreading. It is also to be hoped that the groundwater and drinking water wells were not endangered - this was confirmed by district spokeswoman Nina Winter.

In order to analyze the situation, water samples were taken from various parts of the affected bodies of water. An independent water ecological report was commissioned to comprehensively assess the far-reaching effects on the ecosystem and water quality. The preliminary estimate is that around 10,000 liters of liquid fertilizer entered the waterways, causing ammonium and ammonia poisoning in the affected fish. The fish suffocate as a result of this heavy load.

Similar incidents

Similar problems have already been identified in other regions. On May 1st, water pollution occurred in the Ludwigsburg district, which released manure and also led to fish deaths. Here too, the first warning and the consequences for water quality were noticeable. The operators of the biogas plant in question have been criticized because questions have arisen about safety and processes. These incidents highlight the need to address the dangers of micropollutants more intensively.

The Federal Environment Agency reports on the various ways in which micropollutants can enter water bodies. Factors such as wastewater from sewage treatment plants and runoff from soils play a major role here. The situation clearly shows that increased action and a coordinated approach are needed to prevent future environmental disasters. Ultimately, every step that contributes to cleaning up the waters and protecting fish stocks counts.

The public is closely following the ongoing investigation into the exact cause of the accident in Westerode and its extensive consequences. It remains to be hoped that both ecological and economic damage can be kept within proportionate limits and that future incidents of this kind can be prevented.

For the increasingly endangered fish population, it is crucial that everyone involved takes responsibility and does everything they can to stabilize and restore the situation.