Heating oil disaster! Helicopter fights for nature reserve Thürer Wiesen

Heating oil disaster! Helicopter fights for nature reserve Thürer Wiesen

A serious accident with a tank claster at Mendig has triggered a heating oil disaster in the Thürer Wiesen nature reserve. The incident, which took place on March 7, 2025, leads to a massive loss of heating oil and has devastating consequences for the environment. Die Rhein-Zeitung reports that a helicopter of the police helicopter season is in action against the environmental to proceed.

The use helicopter helps to drive away the solid oil from the reed landscape by creating wind with its rotors. In addition, heavy machines and an amphibian vehicle are in use. The situation is described as catastrophic, with the Environment Minister Katrin Eder (Bündnis 90/Die Grünen) visited the scene of the accident. Eder was concerned about the dramatic effects on the nature reserve and the ecosystem there.

oil-accident and its consequences

The tank claster, which was loaded with around 30,000 liters of heating oil, fell onto a gully cover. As a result, a large part of the heating oil was able to get into the surface drainage and into a rainwater retention basin. The fire brigade has so far been able to vacuum 18,000 liters of the heating oil, but further measures are required. The SWR reports from the installation of 13 oil barriers to prevent further spreading of the oil. However, the work for the full elimination of the damage has so far been uncertain.

The nature conservation organization BUND explains the dramatic effects on the animal world. Water birds are particularly affected, including stickers and pale chickens, which can suffer from the oil and can die painfully. Amphibia and fish are also at risk because the lack of oxygen in the water could lead to a fish death. However, the drinking water supply and a planned water buffalo population in the nature reserve are not affected.

criticism and outlook

Despite the measures taken, there is massive criticism of the late warning and the lack of barriers that have led to dogs and children in contact with the contaminated water. The responsible tanclass accident not only led to an environmental disaster, but also raised questions about security and dealing with such incidents.

In the coming week, a mowing boat is to be used to remove the reeds in the nature reserve and thus remove the oil. Until then, the situation remains tense and the cleanup work will continue to be promoted. The SWR will continue to be observed.