For our neighbors

Honest and transparent

Our strategy for clean groundwater

We take responsibility

Investigations at our Duisburg site have revealed elevated levels of heavy metals in the groundwater around the GRILLO site in the direction of August-Bebel-Platz. Even though a large proportion of the contaminated groundwater lies beneath our own site, this situation is unacceptable to us as a responsible company.
In cooperation with experts and authorities, we are using state-of-the-art technologies to improve the situation in the long term. On this page, we inform you transparently about the current status and our progress, because we care not only about the environment, but also about the trust of our neighbors.

We do not look away

How is GRILLO dealing with the elevated levels of heavy metals in the groundwater around the plant in Duisburg? In this interview, plant manager Dirk Ritterbach talks about the measures taken so far, the establishment of measuring points for data collection, the use of state-of-the-art computer models, the current geological investigations at Willy-Brandt-Ring and the solutions.

to the interview

“We take responsibility” – Plant manager Dirk Ritterbach in an interview on the groundwater issue

Mr. Ritterbach, GRILLO, is talking about increased heavy metal levels in the groundwater around the plant in Duisburg. How is your company dealing with this challenge?

Dirk Ritterbach: At GRILLO, we never turn a blind eye to such an important issue. We take our responsibility towards the environment and the neighborhood very seriously and are working hard to rectify the situation. The first major step was to obtain reliable data. To this end, we have set up measuring points at numerous points on our factory premises and in the surrounding urban area, particularly in Marxloh and Hamborn.

Why was it so important to collect this data?

Dirk Ritterbach: These measuring points are crucial to getting a precise picture of the situation. With the data collected, we were able to create a computer model that helps us to better understand the spread of pollution in the groundwater. Only on the basis of this reliable data were we able to plan the next measures sensibly and implement them in a targeted manner.

You are talking about measures. What measures are you currently implementing?

Dirk Ritterbach: We are currently working together with an external drilling institute at Willy-Brandt-Ring. We are carrying out geological investigations there to analyze the exact soil layers in the groundwater flowing away from the plant site. The aim is to plan and implement a so-called downstream protection system – be it through wells or a hydraulic wall. In this way, we want to ensure that contaminated groundwater no longer leaves the plant site.

How is the work going at the moment?

Dirk Ritterbach: The work is proceeding according to plan. Nevertheless, it is too early to talk about the results. It will still take some time. However, we can assure you: We are doing everything in our power to stop the contamination of the groundwater and to remedy it in the long term. We are working closely with experts and authorities and acting with the utmost transparency. The environment and the safety of the people in our neighborhood are our top priority.

You address the neighborhood: Is there a danger to the residents?

No, there is no immediate danger for residents. The groundwater in Duisburg is very deep, so people do not usually come into contact with it. Crops are not affected either, as they cannot reach the deep groundwater with their roots.

As a rule, groundwater can only be accessed if a groundwater well is available. According to the city’s records, however, there are no known wells in the affected area.

We will continue to be open about our progress and provide regular updates.

Mr. Ritterbach, thank you very much for the interview.

Find answers to your questions in our FAQs

We endeavor to answer all questions in the FAQ. If you still have questions, please send us a message to grundwasser@grillo.de

What is the current problem?

Elevated levels of heavy metals have been detected in the groundwater in and around our plant site in Duisburg. In some cases, these exceed the permissible limits and require targeted measures.

How and when did GRILLO become aware of the groundwater issue?

At the time, GRILLO was informed by the responsible authorities about a possible grievance. This is a historical legacy for which we assume responsibility as the legal successor, but which has no connection with our current production.

However, in order to make informed decisions and plan suitable measures, it was first necessary to collect reliable data. To this end, measuring points were set up and extensive analyses carried out, which now form the basis for our further action.

Does the exposure have an impact on the neighborhood?

No, there is currently no direct impact on the neighborhood. The groundwater in Duisburg is generally deep. So deep that even crops cannot reach it with their roots. In everyday life, therefore, you generally do not come into contact with the groundwater and there are no consequences.

Groundwater wells are an exception. However, according to records kept by the City of Duisburg, there are no known private wells in the affected area.

Which areas around the factory premises are affected?

We were only able to detect elevated levels of heavy metals outside the factory premises at nearby measuring points to the north of our site.

In our download area further down on this page you will also find a map showing the areas.

What is GRILLO doing to remedy the strain?

GRILLO is working hard to find a solution. The first step was to set up numerous measuring points to collect reliable data on pollution. This data was transferred to a computer model, which forms the basis for planning further measures. We are currently carrying out geological investigations on the Willy-Brandt-Ring to analyze the soil structure in the groundwater outflow. The aim is to secure the downstream flow in order to permanently contain the pollution.

What is the aim of the measures?

The aim of the measures is to ensure that groundwater pollution is permanently contained in the long term. At the same time, we are not ruling out measures on the plant site itself to reduce pollution at source and further promote environmental protection.

What role does the city of Duisburg play?

We are in close contact with the City of Duisburg and other authorities. We work together to ensure the protection of the environment and local residents. Due to its long industrial history, however, the city of Duisburg is affected by increased levels of pollutants. These contaminated sites also play a role in the pollution of the soil and groundwater. Cooperation with the city helps to better understand and tackle both current and historical pollution. Here you can find all information on the topic of groundwater in Duisburg.

How can I find out about the current status?

Further down on this page you will find a news section. This will be filled by us with the latest findings and progress.

Who can I contact if I have further questions?

Transparency and an open exchange are important to us. We have therefore set up a separate e-mail address for this topic, which you can contact with your questions: grundwasser@grillo.de

Our experts will then get back to you shortly.

Downloads for you

Load map

See at a glance which areas of the neighborhood are affected.

Information from the city

On the website of the City of Duisburg you will find all information about groundwater in Duisburg.

All groundwater news at a glance

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Pumping tests on the Willy-Brandt-Ring provide important findings

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