Sewage from the Complexie fire temporarily stored
While fighting the fire at Complexie on Helmkamp in Dinxperlo on September 21, the fire department used water contaminated with PFAS from the Blauwe Meer recreational lake. After the water authority closed the wastewater treatment plant as a result, the municipality decided to pump out the contaminated wastewater and temporarily store it in a manure silo, pending the results of the investigation.
Water from the Blue Lake was used for about 50 minutes during the first phase of firefighting efforts. An estimated 150 m³ was used. Later, the fire was fought using water from other sources. Because the Blue Lake contains PFAS, the Rijn en IJssel Water Board shut down the wastewater treatment plant. The wastewater treatment plant is unable to remove PFAS from wastewater.
Sewer Pumped Out
The municipal sewer system consists of a stormwater system and a wastewater system. The firefighting water is collected in the stormwater system and pumped from there into the wastewater system. From the wastewater system, it flows to the wastewater treatment plant.
Following the report from the Water Board, the municipality, as the operator of the sewer system, disconnected the stormwater system from the wastewater system in the town center of Dinxperlo. The water in the wastewater system was then pumped out, discharged, and temporarily stored elsewhere. This process began on the evening of September 22. These operations were completed around 10:00 a.m. this morning. Ultimately, approximately 900 m³ of water was pumped out of the isolated section and transported to the temporary storage facility.
Research on Stored Water
The municipality is working with the relevant parties to determine what measures are needed to properly manage the stored water. To this end, the municipality has commissioned a certified research firm. Based on the results, the necessary next steps will be determined.
Sewer Reopened
On September 23 at 12:00 p.m., the Water Board reopened the flow from the Dinxperlo town center’s wastewater system to the wastewater treatment plant. This allows for the resumption of normal wastewater discharge. The stormwater system is being flushed, cleaned, and drained by a specialized company.
Residents have not been affected by the measures taken. There has been no interruption in sewer service.
Water Quality Research
The fire occurred on the grounds of the (former) waste treatment facility Complexie. The municipality therefore wants to know whether there may be other contaminants or additional PFAS—in addition to those already present in the firefighting water—in the water. An independent investigation is being prepared for this purpose.
Use water from Blue Lake
The municipality, in collaboration with the North and East Gelderland Safety Region, is detailing on Map exactly how water from the Blauwe Meer was used during firefighting operations.
Impact on the Complexie Site
In recent days, the focus has been on managing the sewage problem. It is therefore not yet known to what extent the Complexie site has been contaminated by the firefighting water. Not only was water containing PFAS used during the fire, but the fire was also extinguished on a site where various types of waste were present.
At this time, the municipality is also unable to comment on any potential consequences for the ongoing enforcement proceedings against the (former) waste processor.
The police have announced that they are conducting a criminal investigation into the circumstances of the fire, under the supervision of the Public Prosecutor's Office.
Costs
The costs of temporarily storing, analyzing, and, if necessary, treating the stored water are not yet known.