Concerns have emerged regarding chlorine gas storage at Donau Chemie in Brückl, which poses safety risks due to its proximity to residential areas. Dr. Wolfgang List highlights gaps in the Seveso Directive’s implementation, particularly the lack of distance regulations and insufficient public information about safety measures. He emphasizes the need for transparency, emergency preparedness, and effective evacuation plans to protect the community. List advocates for stronger legal standards and hopes for future prohibitions on hazardous substances like chlorine gas.
Chlorine Gas Storage Concerns at Donau Chemie
Recently, concerns have been raised regarding the storage of chlorine gas at Donau Chemie in Brückl, a facility that produces and supplies chlorine for the disinfection of swimming pools and indoor aquatic centers. This gas is stored on-site in steel cylinders, and the implications of this practice are significant, particularly in light of safety regulations.
Understanding the Seveso Directive
Dr. Wolfgang List, an environmental law expert from Vienna, recently discussed the Seveso Directive, which originated from a major industrial accident in Seveso, Italy in 1976. The aim of this regulation is to minimize risks posed by chemical and industrial facilities to both human health and the environment. Currently, the EU operates under Seveso Directive III, which mandates that such facilities must prevent the release of toxic gases and the formation of hazardous gas clouds.
Austria is required to adhere to these regulations as well. However, List points out that the existing legal framework, including the Trade Regulation Act, may not adequately inform the public about potential dangers and required safety measures in case of an incident.
Regulatory Gaps and Safety Measures
One critical issue raised is the absence of a minimum distance requirement between chemical operations and residential areas in Austria. According to German experts, a facility producing 65,000 tons of chlorine annually should maintain at least a two-kilometer buffer from homes. In contrast, the Donau Chemie plant produces between 10,000 and 15,000 tons and is located just 300 to 500 meters from residential zones, a situation that Dr. List deems highly concerning.
Beyond distance regulations, transparency and emergency preparedness are vital. Dr. List reviewed the information provided by Donau Chemie and found it lacking. The site offers vague advice, such as sealing windows during emergencies, which raises doubts about its effectiveness. The Seveso Directive emphasizes the need for regular training and emergency drills to ensure community safety.
In the event of a chemical incident, Dr. List insists that facilities must have established evacuation routes and provide protective gear for nearby residents. He views the current level of protection for the community surrounding Brückl as inadequate.
In summary, Dr. List’s assessment of the Seveso Directive’s implementation at Donau Chemie highlights the necessity for improved legal standards and operational transparency. With ongoing advancements in safety regulations, there is hope for a future where hazardous substances like chlorine gas may be banned altogether, akin to the historical ban on asbestos.