Oil disaster in the Thürer meadows: wild animals in mortal danger!

Oil disaster in the Thürer meadows: wild animals in mortal danger!

On March 11, 2025, the tank claster accident at Mendig led to a massive loss of heating oil in the "Thürer Wiesen" nature reserve. According to information from SWR The cleaning work continues for a few more weeks. Representatives of the Mayen-Koblenz district administration have explained the progress of the measures in detail.

In the past few days, the channels have been washed through to a rainwater retention basin and oil residues were properly disposed of. However, work in the nature reserve has not yet been completed because other oil barriers have to be installed. The use of the technical relief organization (THW) from three federal states, including specialist groups for oil control from Koblenz and Frankfurt am Main, is essential. The THW also receives support from units from Andernach, Mayen, Bendorf, Neuwied and Ahrweiler, as well as from a team from Kehlheim in Bavaria, which helps with special material to take better.

harmful consequences for the wildlife

according to Tagesschau is still unclear, but the district administration assumes an insurance event. Unfortunately, about 200 animals have already lost their lives after the accident. Half of the first day of the birds, including gray heron and sticks, died on the first day.

The Wildbogelstation Kirchwald, under the direction of Francis Kauermann, continues to carry out search campaigns for contaminated animals. Around 40 birds are currently being put on in the station. These animals have to stay there for about four to six weeks, and there is an urgent need for insect food to support their care.

The dramatic effects of the accident on the animal world are obvious. To remove the oil from the reed, a mowing boat was used. At the same time, the situation for amphibians and fish in the area becomes critical, since a lack of oxygen in the water could also lead to a fish death. Nevertheless, the drinking water and the water for the planned water buffalo projects are not affected.

Delayed measures and security of residents

The alarm of the population was criticized because there were failures in the warning and barriers. It is feared that dogs and children have come into contact with the contaminated water. The tank claster, which transported about 30,000 liters of heating oil, fell onto a gully's lid and caused the oil leak into the surface drainage. Emergency forces installed 13 oil barriers to contain the damage, but progress is disabled due to persistent uncertainties.

The situation in the Thürer meadows shows the harmful consequences of such accidents and requires the progressive cooperation between organizations and authorities to protect the environment and rehabilitate the wildlife.