Emergency investigation of pipeline leak: The Technisches Hilfswerk (THW) and Deutsche Transapline Oelleitung (TAL) GmbH are to be scrutinized in cases of pipeline emergency.
The German Technical Relief Organisation (THW) recently conducted an annual oil spill containment exercise in the Chiemsee region, simulating a potential pipeline leak in the Kufstein area. Over 130 volunteer personnel from the THW and TAL employees participated in the event.
The THW, a federal operational organisation carried by volunteers with over 85,000 members nationwide, is involved in civil protection work, providing aid within the EU's civil protection mechanism, to UN organizations, and to other countries as needed. Fabian Kuhn, part of the THW's exercise leadership, stated that external influences could cause damage to the pipeline in the Kufstein area, potentially leading to an oil flow towards Chiemsee.
During the exercise, a new amphibious vehicle was deployed. This vehicle transports oil booms in the shore area and enables quick, easy, and environmentally friendly work. The oil barriers, which float on the water surface and are oil-repellent, were used to collect oil while allowing water to flow underneath. The personnel pumped the oil off the water surface using these barriers.
Eight different local associations built various oil retention basins, a water-oil separation plant of the THW (SEPCON), and set up oil barriers over a length of more than two kilometers. The SEPCON is used to separate oil-water mixtures and secure water.
The THW's commitment extends beyond Germany's borders. Fabian Kuhn, who was also part of the leadership team for a THW exercise involving an oil leak in the Kufstein region, highlighted the organisation's global role. The THW is called upon by the federal government for both domestic and international disasters.
The oil spill exercise is an annual event to optimise processes between TAL and the THW. More information about the THW's commitment can be found at www.jetzt.thw.de. For queries regarding the THW Regional Association Bavaria, contact (089) 15 91 51-0 or [email protected].
The THW's preparation ensures everyone is well-equipped for the worst-case scenario, even if the pipeline has not yet leaked. The organisation's work includes a variety of tasks, including oil spill containment exercises like the one in Chiemsee.
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