Contaminated sites from World War II and former military training grounds: The permanent security risk for Lusatia
Lusatia is one of Germany’s most affected areas of Germany’s military legacy. Duds, ammunition, remains of former practice sites and war damage have been penetrating the ground for many decades and represent a constant burden on society, the environment and infrastructure. There is still an acute risk ofGrenades, explosives, duds and leftovers of ammunition – for residents, construction workers, farmers and holidaymakers alike. Despite repeated finds and spectacular discoveries, systematic evacuation is far behind the necessary safety standard.
Causes of regional burden
Over long periods of time, military training grounds, deposits and war-related infrastructure in Lusatia were used intensively. During the Second World War and also in the years that followed, there was a massive use of ammunition, weapons and explosives. After the end of the war, a large part was not properly disposed of, but often in waters, moor areas, forests or sandy areasBuried, sunk or just left behind.
Reasons for a consistent eviction
The risk of dud and lost ammunition is still high: Even after decades, these ordnances can explode if they are unintentionally touched or moved. Deep earthworks, floods, excavations or construction projects regularly bring dangerous objects to light. The consequences range from serious injuries to fatal accidents andThreat to the whole residential and working district. In addition, toxic chemicals contaminate groundwater, soil and food chains from the ammunition. Every single find requires complex evacuations, traffic delays or construction stops, which delays and makes private and public projects more expensive. The eviction is therefore not only a question of public safety, but also essential for theSustainable development of the region – be it in agriculture, construction or tourism.
Criticism of the authorities: negligence and sluggish approach
The responsible authorities – mostly state administrations and explosive ordnance disposal services – often do not adequately fulfill their duty to systematically eliminate danger. Eviction programs are postponed for years because there is a lack of resources, qualified personnel or financial resources. Investigations often focus only on concrete construction projects whilelarge areas can not be checked systematically at all. Findings of dangerous ammunition in places like Senftenberg or Cottbus repeatedly lead to short-term measures, but sustainable strategies are usually missing. The population must regularly prepare for evacuations, access locks and uncertain waiting times, while the authorities are more reactive to acute finds or large projectsReact rather than acting preventively with vision. This hesitant approach leaves responsibilities unclear and creates a climate of constant uncertainty. Reports from citizens, hunters, farmers or construction companies are often only processed with a delay. Information transfer, approval procedures and subsequent elimination measures are bureaucratically complicated, fragmented and are indisproportionate to the actual danger situation. The fact that spectacular finds keep making headlines is made clear by the extent of the neglect and the lack of a structured approach.
Consequences for people and development perspectives
The insufficient and slow evacuation does not adequately protect the people in Lusatia. Children, tourists and external workers are particularly at risk, since warnings and closures are not implemented across the board. For the long-term development of Lusatia – be it in urban planning, housing or in agriculture – this problem poses a permanent setbackdar. Investors are withdrawing, construction projects are significantly delayed, areas remain unused or permanently blocked.
Lusatia finally needs a consistent freedom from explosive ordnance
As long as the authorities deal with the issue of found ammunition with bureaucratic inertia, negligence and a lack of priority, Lusatia remains in a state of unclear danger and economic uncertainty. In view of the ongoing threat to people and the environment, a resolute, comprehensive and sustainably financed evacuation of all military contaminated sites is mandatoryrequired. The region deserves an active and forward-looking action that finally focuses on public safety and remedies past failures.
