A notable crude oil leak at teh PCK Schwedt refinery in Brandenburg, Germany, released an estimated 200,000 liters on Wednesday, prompting a large emergency response. Authorities have stated the leak stemmed from preparatory work on a safety test and have ruled out intentional sabotage. firefighters are currently on scene working to contain the spill, which occurred at a valve station on a pipeline connecting Rostock to the refinery, and assess the environmental impact.
A pipeline at the PCK Schwedt refinery in the Uckermark region of Germany experienced a leak on Wednesday, releasing an estimated 200,000 liters of crude oil, according to Brandenburg’s Environment Ministry. The incident raises concerns about potential environmental impact and energy infrastructure security.
According to initial findings, the leak was caused by preparatory work for a planned safety test on the pipeline. Refinery officials stated that deliberate sabotage has been ruled out at this time.
100 Firefighters Deployed
The oil was forced out of a small leak in a pumping station near Gramzow in the Uckermark region at a pressure of approximately 20 bar, according to Alexander Trenn, the Schwedt fire department’s section chief and hazardous materials consultant.
© AFP/JOHN MACDOUGALL
Firefighters estimate that at least 200,000 liters of crude oil have leaked, and the total amount could be even higher. Approximately 100 firefighters, along with 25 PCK refinery employees, are currently on scene.
Oil Being Pumped From Farmland
Special vacuum trucks are being used to collect the oil, which is currently spread across a wet field, Trenn said. He indicated that the operation is expected to continue for several hours and will likely extend into the morning. According to PCK, the leak occurred at a valve station on the pipeline running from Rostock to Schwedt.
Early reports from Märkische Oderzeitung indicated that oil was shooting into the air in a fountain approximately 33 to 39 feet high, and that stopping the leak could take until morning. The pipeline, which has a diameter of approximately 18 inches, runs from Rostock to the PCK Schwedt refinery near Gramzow. Emergency crews are on site.
According to reports from RBB, the incident was caused by work on the valve station in Gramzow, where a bolt reportedly broke. The MOZ reports that firefighters will establish a crisis management team at the site overnight. The leak is located near Zehnebeck, about 1.9 miles from Gramzow.
Brandenburg’s Environment Minister Hanka Mittelstädt is scheduled to visit the site on Thursday afternoon to assess the damage and coordinate further assistance. The cause of the leak and the extent of the damage remain under investigation.
(with reporting by dpa)
