Industrial wastewater is to blame Dead fish in Thurgauer Bach Who is responsible?

Several hundred fish and crayfish died in the Tegelbach stream near Frauenfeld in the canton of Thurgau, Switzerland, earlier this month due to contaminated industrial wastewater. The pollution originated from a subsidiary of the Swiss Sugar Company, specifically the Bioenergie Frauenfeld AG. This marks the fifth such incident in the stream within seven years, with each occurrence traced back to the same company. The incident occurred in early July when a large number of dead fish and crayfish were found over a three-kilometer stretch along the Tegelbach. The polluted water was traced to a local business, where dirty wastewater had entered the stream through an unknown route. According to the firm’s managing director, Sebastian Sauerbeck, a blockage in a pipe led to the discharge of wastewater into the stream. He confirmed the findings of the Thurgauer Zeitung, stating that the issue stemmed from an unforeseen blockage that allowed the waste to escape unnoticed. This is not the first time the Tegelbach has suffered from similar incidents. Over the past seven years, there have been four previous cases of fish deaths linked to contamination. Two years ago, hundreds of fish perished after a mixture of sugar and water from the sugar factory in Frauenfeld flowed into the stream. The sugar factory, which is owned by the Swiss Sugar Company, is located close to the Bioenergie Frauenfeld AG, a subsidiary that operates a wood-fired power plant. Both companies are situated in proximity, and their operations are interconnected. The Bioenergie Frauenfeld AG, which is part of the larger Swiss Sugar Group, was built six years ago, and its plans for the wastewater system were reviewed and approved by the cantonal environmental office. At the time, the planning process did not raise concerns, according to the department head, Manuel Tille. However, recent investigations suggest that while the initial design was sound, maintenance issues might have contributed to the current problem. Tille explained that the latest incident appears to stem from a disruption rather than flawed planning. Nevertheless, questions remain about whether the company could have better maintained its pipelines. These inquiries are part of ongoing investigations. Meanwhile, the cantonal authorities have taken steps to prevent future occurrences. The sugar factory has already revised its drainage plan and implemented measures, some of which are already in place, while others will be carried out in the future. The situation surrounding the Tegelbach continues to draw concern. Local officials, including city building engineer Sascha Bundi, acknowledge the need for all businesses operating in the area to comply fully with legal requirements. He emphasized that only through collective responsibility can waterways like the Tegelbach be protected effectively. The city is currently awaiting the results of ongoing procedures and is urging all stakeholders to take their responsibilities seriously.