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City sets up four additional measuring stations – Kolmer: “Protection of the population has top priority”
To monitor the groundwater quality in the Bürgerpark even more precisely, the City of Darmstadt will install four additional groundwater monitoring wells starting Monday, May 12. The new monitoring points will be located in the Bürgerpark itself, as well as in the area of the athletics center and the Ziegelbusch I allotment garden complex belonging to the Karlshof allotment association. They will supplement the seven monitoring wells that have been in operation since 2019.
The measure follows a recommendation from the Darmstadt Regional Council to more precisely assess groundwater flow in the inflow and outflow areas of the allotment garden complex. Measurements taken in 2022 revealed elevated levels of PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) and heavy metals such as nickel, lead, copper, and arsenic in certain locations. According to the Regional Council, these results can be attributed to fill material in the surrounding area. In the case of arsenic, a natural origin from the Rotliegend rock formation is also possible. However, the authority states that there is no widespread groundwater contamination.
Environmental officer Michael Kolmer emphasizes: “The protection of the population is always our top priority. Therefore, we are of course following the recommendation of the regional council in order to investigate any suspicion at an early stage.”
The boreholes will reach a depth of approximately ten meters. The measuring points will be installed flush with the ground, covered with cast iron and paved. Terrasond will begin the work on May 12th. The construction period is expected to last two weeks. During this time, there may be short-term closures of individual paths in the Bürgerpark. The city apologizes for any inconvenience.
(Darmstadt - Red/PSD/DK)
