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Denmark: homes in Olst threatened by a huge flow of polluted earth
Millions of tonnes of polluted soil have been pouring down a hill in Olst, Denmark for weeks, threatening homes. They come from a site where the earth had to be decontaminated, until a huge mudslide interrupted the process. – (France 2)
Millions of tonnes of polluted soil have been pouring down a hill in Olst, Denmark for weeks, threatening homes. They come from a site where the earth had to be decontaminated, until a huge mudslide interrupted the process.
It is already one of the worst environmental disasters in Danish history. In Olst, millions of tons of polluted soil have been rolling down a hill for weeks, at an impressive rate of two to ten meters per day. A road and hangars gave way. Residents wait helplessly. Much of this contaminated soil comes from mink burial pits. These animals raised for their furs were euthanized en masse in Denmark in 2020, to fight against a variant of covid that appeared on farms.
The pollution control company declared bankruptcy.
But the millions of buried animals began to pollute nearby lakes and streams. The earth therefore had to be decontaminated by a company on a dedicated site, until the immense mudslide which interrupted everything. Experts point the finger at the company and local authorities. Two weeks ago, the pollution control company declared bankruptcy. The authorities are now passing the buck to pay the bill and protect residents. The Danish government is seeking to establish responsibility for this ecological disaster.
