Region builds 750-metre wall to contain Cheminova pollution

Region Central Jutland is installing a 750-metre iron wall at Harboøre Tange to contain pollution from the former Cheminova chemical production site, DR reports. Work will take place from August to October as part of the first stage of the cleanup.

Cheminova produced chemicals, including products for agriculture, at the site from 1953 to 1962. Investigations have found contamination including the insecticide parathion, which was previously used in agriculture.

The pollution is classified as a contamination passed down through generations, referring to particularly extensive and complex pollution that developed over many years. It poses a serious threat to groundwater and will cost more than 50 million kroner to investigate and contain.

“For now, the focus is on establishing safe and durable containment while we continue working on a long-term solution,” said Per Møller Jensen, chairman of the Regional Development Committee.

Region Central Jutland announced in April that it had reached an agreement with contractor Arkil A/S to build the wall. The state will pay for the containment work and has allocated a framework of 100 million kroner.

The region expects it will eventually be possible to clean the soil, but says current methods would cost several billion kroner. No funding has yet been allocated for the next stages of the cleanup.