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Fish deaths after fertilizer leak: Who is responsible?
There was a massive fish die-off in Eichsfeld after a fertilizer accident in Westerode. Investigations into the cause are ongoing.
Fish deaths after fertilizer leak: Who is responsible?
On July 14, 2025, the waters in Eichsfeld have been in the public eye for weeks. Almost four weeks ago, a significant amount of liquid fertilizer leaked from a silo on a company site in Westerode, which had devastating consequences for the environment. Thousands of fish died as a result of the incident in the surrounding waters of Wipper, Nathe and Hahle. The police investigation into the cause of the accident is in full swing, but the results are still pending. Police spokesman André Baumann said it was still unclear whether a technical defect, an operating error or even an intentional act was behind the accident. In addition, we must wait for the expert reports, which could take several weeks, to make a final assessment of the situation. Göttinger Tageblatt reports that the extent of environmental pollution also entails economic damage for affected fishing clubs, the exact amount of which is also determined the reports must be determined.
District spokeswoman Nina Winter emphasized that the impacts on the ecosystem must be thoroughly and comprehensively assessed to determine what measures will be necessary to ensure water quality. Korbinian Deuchler, spokesman for the Lower Saxony Ministry for the Environment, Energy and Climate Protection, pointed out that it is clear from the outset that intentional contamination can result in a prison sentence of up to five years. For negligent pollution, up to three years in prison is possible.
Similar incidents and legal basis
A look at the legal framework confirms the seriousness of the incident. As regulated in Section 324 of the Criminal Code, water pollution is a significant criminal offense that deals with the deliberate or negligent introduction of toxic substances into water. With the increased sensitivity to environmental crimes, law enforcement has also increased in intensity. This means that, in the worst case scenario, those responsible will not only face fines, but also prison sentences. Attorney Erhard's [website](https://rechtsanwalt-erhard.de/gewaesserverunreinigung-nach-%C2%A7-324-stgb-ursachen-followen-und-defense strategies/) emphasizes that in special cases in which water quality has been particularly endangered, the penalties can be even more drastic.
The Federal Environment Agency explains that the classification of such acts as administrative offenses or criminal offenses depends on the seriousness of the violation (Umweltbundesamt). For example, strict measures can be taken against companies that endanger the environment through improper disposal or other misconduct. Particularly serious environmental crimes that even endanger public water supplies can be punished with prison sentences of up to ten or fifteen years.
Those responsible for the incident in Westerode face an uncertain future. Depending on the results of the investigations and reports, you can expect serious consequences, both legal and financial. The exact details about the extent of the damage and the legal consequences will only be clarified in the coming weeks, but it is already clear: the environment and its residents have to pay a high price for negligent actions. The public and especially the fishing clubs affected will follow developments with great attention.