Randers Municipality celebrates new Alling Stream channel completion in Ølst, Denmark

A year ago, the Alling Stream was diverted near the Nordic Waste soil remediation company in Ølst. However, after several million tons of contaminated soil began to shift last winter, authorities opted to temporarily channel the water through pipes to prevent a potential environmental disaster.

In recent months, Randers Municipality has excavated a new pathway for the stream on the opposite side of the road, bypassing the contaminated site. Now, the pumps can be turned off, allowing water to flow freely in the newly established channel. “This is truly a significant day for us,” said municipal director Jesper Kaas Schmidt, who hailed the development as a milestone.

The new stream layout is seen as beneficial for both the environment and the municipal budget. Schmidt stated, “We have been pumping water through two kilometers of pipes, which is not sustainable. No fish or other fauna can pass through the pumps.” He also noted that the ongoing pumping operation has incurred substantial costs. The new configuration for Alling Stream has reportedly cost around 4 million kroner, significantly less than other proposed solutions.

Randers Municipality anticipates that Gammel Århusvej, an important thoroughfare for local residents, could be reinstated by the first quarter of 2025, after parts of the road were buried under massive soil shifts. Cleanup costs related to Nordic Waste are expected to reach a total of 500 million kroner, with the state contributing 200 million. This leaves Randers Municipality facing a bill of approximately 300 million kroner.

Ultimately, the municipality holds that the polluter should bear the financial responsibility and has filed claims against both the Nordic Waste bankruptcy estate and its sister company, DSH Recycling, which owns the land. DSH Recycling has rejected the claim and counter-sued Randers Municipality, with the conflict set to be resolved in Vestre Landsret at an undetermined date.