Manifestation against the presence of toxic waste in Stocamine in 2023
Scientists fear that thousands of tons of chemicals dumped into a mine in alsace can infiltrate the largest aquifer in Western Europe, located scarce meters-with devastating consequences for wildlife and millions of people in Western Europe.
Toxic waste deposited in a mine in Alsace, France, may infiltrate the Superior Rhine Aquiferwhich runs between France, Switzerland and Germany, potentially contaminating the drinking water of millions of people, reveals the British newspaper.
The Stocamine Mine, an former potassa exploration located in Wittelsheim, has stored since the 1990s, in a space with the size of 7 soccer fields, about 42,000 tons of waste toxic – The scarce meters of the largest aquifer in Western Europe.
The now closed mine was used as a underground deposit of hazardous waste as Mercury, Arsenio and Cianetoand contains substances that have been associated with mass deaths in wildlife, which may have severe and lasting effects on ecosystems.
Although initially guarantees had been given that the waste would be withdrawn within 30 yearsa recent court decision vented its extraction, given the deterioration of the structure and the operational risks involved.
Instead, it determined the French justice resolution, the mine should be permanently sealed with tons of concrete – Solution supported by the French authorities.
However, numerous scientists maintain that this measure is insufficient, since the subsoil of the site has instability and already Infiltration records of water – that may reach the deposits of contaminating substances.
The Alsace Aquifer, situated Only five meters from the surface and linked to the water system of the upper renew, it can be seriously affected if the waste is free, with a impact on the water supply of millions Of people in France, Germany and Switzerland.
Beyond Risks for Human Healthexperts cited by The Guardian fear a serious change in ecosystems. The eviction of compounds such as cyanide in aquatic environments can cause massive fish death and permanent damage to the river fauna and flora.
“It is better to act now and Do not leave this problem to future generations. A technique of burying untreated waste is outdated and failed in numerous cases throughout history, ”he says Marcos Busergeologist specializing in toxic waste.
Jean-Pierre Hecht, former local miner, also rejects the government decision. “We, the old miners, we feel betrayed“He says, recalling that the project was presented as a sustainable initiative and job generator, something that never has never materialized.
Yann FloryProfessor of Reformed Physical Education, has been manifested since the 1980s against the presence of these waste at the site. “I started doing it for my children, now I do it to defend my grandchildren. We are convinced that one day The water we drink will be irreversibly contaminated“.
