The regional government is adjusting the restricted zone on Frankfurter Straße to reflect current pollution levels
for the remediation project at the former gasworks site at Frankfurter Straße 100 in Darmstadt are being adjusted. The Darmstadt Regional Council has issued a new general order regarding the ban on groundwater extraction, following recent investigations that have revealed a change in the distribution of pollutants in the subsurface.
The former gasworks site has been classified as a contaminated site since 1991. Soil and groundwater contamination stems from the former operation of the plant and from destruction during World War II. While remediation efforts initially focused on contaminated soils above the groundwater level, groundwater contamination was also detected starting in 2008. The primary concern is the pollutant benzene. ENTEGA is carrying out the remediation measures on behalf of the City of Darmstadt.
To rule out health risks, a ban on groundwater extraction in the affected area has been in place since 2012. This was based on the findings at that time regarding the westward spread of the pollutants.
However, current groundwater monitoring results show that the so-called contaminant plume has now shifted northward. Therefore, the area covered by the extraction ban has been adjusted. Some properties have been newly included in the restricted zone, while others have been removed. The general order has also been revised and made clearer.
Groundwater levels will continue to be closely monitored. Regular measurements will document the success of the remediation and allow for adjustments to the protective measures should the contamination levels change further.
The new general decree has been published on the websites of the City of Darmstadt and the Darmstadt Regional Council since August 3, 2026. A paper copy can be viewed at the Environmental Office after prior registration
Detailed information about the redevelopment project of the former gasworks site is available on the project website.
(DARMSTADT – RED/PSD/stip)
