Unauthorised heating oil or diesel discharged into the sewer system

Apparently, large quantities of diesel or heating oil got into the Bocholt sewer system. Major damage was prevented thanks to the quick reaction of the Bocholt waste disposal and service company (ESB). Nevertheless, the city filed charges against unknown persons, as such substances are dangerous for the environment and can cause considerable damage to the sewage treatment plant.

In the night from Thursday, 18 January to Friday, heating oil or diesel was apparently illegally discharged into the sewer system of the city of Bocholt. Although the exact quantity cannot be defined more precisely, the ESB assumes that it must be a larger quantity. The discharge was only noticed in the early hours of the morning at the inlet to the sewage treatment plant.

Appropriate measures were immediately taken to protect the sewage treatment plant and the surrounding water. "Despite a rapid inspection of the sewer network and various structural installations, it was unfortunately no longer possible to determine the exact source", reports ESB manager Heinz Welberg.

Sewage treatment plant restricted by the hour

Immediately initiated protective measures saved the biological treatment of the sewage treatment plant from major damage. Nevertheless, the inflow to the treatment plant had to be interrupted for several hours before the inlet pumping stations could be slowly restarted.

The measures taken effectively prevented oily substances from entering the surrounding waters. The city of Bocholt immediately secured water samples and informed the higher water authority of the Münster district government about the incident.

The city of Bocholt has filed charges against persons unknown. The discharge of oils, fuels and similar substances into the sewer system is illegal and jeopardises not only the environment but also the smooth operation of the municipal sewage treatment plant, explains the ESB. The polluter faces severe penalties.

Oil or diesel require special disposal

Just one litre of oil can contaminate one million litres of water. The city of Bocholt therefore appeals to the public to dispose of such substances properly via specialised companies in order to avoid environmental damage.