43,000 Cubic Meters of Sludge Removed from Lake Neusiedl

The Seemanagement Burgenland GmbH has successfully extracted approximately 43,000 cubic meters of sludge from Lake Neusiedl since the autumn of last year. This extensive operation took place at 29 locations across 11 of the 14 municipalities surrounding the lake, as reported by Infrastructure Councillor Heinrich Dorner.

From October to April, dredging efforts focused on harbor facilities, entrance points, and specific areas of swimming pools. Additionally, about ten kilometers of reed channels have undergone restoration. Erich Gebhardt, the managing director of Seemanagement, explained that the dredging work aimed to improve navigation routes, particularly south of Mörbisch, and to facilitate local fishermen by removing sediment from the Golser Bay.

The volume of sludge removed this year is significantly less than the previous year's total of 60,000 cubic meters. This reduction is attributed to ongoing upgrades at the sedimentation basin in Breitenbrunn, which limited the availability of one of the basins for operations.

Looking ahead, five sedimentation basins are expected to be operational in the upcoming autumn, allowing for more efficient dewatering of the soft sediment. During the summer months, the sludge will be transported and utilized to enhance agricultural land.

These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to ensure the long-term preservation of Lake Neusiedl. Councillor Dorner highlighted the necessity of a water supply to maintain the lake's health, referencing ongoing discussions regarding a proposed water diversion from the Danube River in Lower Austria.

In the coming weeks, these discussions are set to intensify, including re-engagement with Agriculture Minister Norbert Totschnig, following a hiatus due to federal government formation. Dorner expressed hope that by the end of the year, the project could progress to an environmental impact assessment phase.

In terms of current conditions, the water level at Lake Neusiedl is relatively stable and satisfactory. At 115.48 meters above sea level, it surpasses last year's level, which was noted to be at 115 meters, marking the lowest recorded for this time of year in recent years.