Illegal Deposits: St. Pölten Landfill Could Be Cleared

According to the state of Lower Austria, the results of the ordered investigations show that the deposited and buried material largely consists of untreated waste. The legal requirements of the landfill ordinance are thus not met. It is currently assumed that a necessary clearance is required.

The landfill was closed in December following the intervention of the Department of Environmental and Facility Law of the state. Extensive test excavations were subsequently carried out and investigations were conducted, the results of which are now available.

Close-Meshed Test Excavations Necessary

"Further close-meshed test excavations in all areas, including older areas and at boundary walls," are necessary, according to a statement from the state sent to APA. This is to ensure "that no unsuitable material remains in the landfill." The execution is carried out under "ongoing official supervision." Involved, in addition to the waste law experts of the authority, are also specialists in landfill technology, waste chemistry, and air pollution control technology. An immediate threat to the groundwater can be ruled out, as it is a sealed landfill.

Investigations regarding the recording obligations under waste law and to determine the "persons responsible for the unauthorized activities" are running in parallel, according to the information. "Administrative penal proceedings are being initiated and factual reports are being prepared for the public prosecutor's office," it was emphasized.

The activities at the landfill have been criticized several times by Greenpeace. The operator, Zöchling Abfallverwertung GmbH, recently rejected the allegations made by the environmental organization. They assured full support to the responsible authorities and initiated an internal review themselves.

(APA/Red)

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