Major Oil Spill Reported in Bascharage

Luxembourg's Water Management Authority has reported that a major oil spill occurred in Bascharage on Monday 13 November 2023.

The authorities reported that the strong smell of hydrocarbons was noted in Bascharage on Monday evening.

Agents from the Water Management Authority and units from the Grand Ducal Fire and Rescue Corps (CGDIS) arrived on-site, where they found that a leak in a private tank was the cause of a significant oil spill. Between 2,000 and 3,000 litres flowed into a field before reaching a private pond.

In order to limit the spread of the pollution, floating booms were put in place and pumps were installed. Due to heavy rainfall, the spread of pollution could not be completely stopped, noted the authorities. As such, part of the oil spilled into a small tributary of the Chiers river.

Since this stream flows towards the Chiers (a tributary of the Meuse), the authorities triggered the international warning and alert plan of the International Meuse Commission.

Agents remained on-site in order to limit the spread of pollution and assess the environmental damage.