Mudslide leaves Sölden sewage plant months from full operation

Sölden’s wastewater treatment plant may not return to full operation for months after a mudslide on July 29, ORF reports. The municipality hopes to begin at least a basic screening process by the end of next week. Until then, wastewater will continue flowing untreated into the Ötztaler Ache river.

About 150 firefighters and numerous other helpers have worked for the past ten days to clear tonnes of mud and rubble. Sölden fire chief Philipp Fender said teams had worked 16 hours a day.

The large basement areas beneath the treatment plant only became accessible a few days ago. They had been filled with mud, rubble and water up to the ceiling. Fender said the work was challenging, particularly because fresh-air supply must be coordinated with the use of machinery and the presence of workers.

Parts of the plant remain affected after wastewater from the treatment basins was forced into the basements. Hygiene is also a major concern because of the risks to emergency workers’ health.

Snow cannons are being used to provide ventilation in the basements. Klaus Jörg, an employee at the plant, said one snow cannon supplies fresh air while another helps remove it.

Wastewater from the entire upper Ötztal valley is currently flowing untreated into the river. Sölden Deputy Mayor Maximilian Riml described this as an emergency situation that could not currently be avoided.

The plant is expected to restart in stages before winter. The first stage will involve screening out solid matter, which Riml said the municipality hopes to achieve by the end of next week. The damage has not yet been fully assessed but is expected to run into millions of euros.