Dangerous chemicals discovered at Czech military training area

The discovery of barrels containing dangerous chemicals at a former military training area near the German border has sparked a political debate in the Czech Republic.

At a press conference, Environment Minister Igor Červený announced the results of recent investigations in the extensive area east of Zelezna Ruda (Markt Eisenstein) in the Šumava National Park. These revealed that there were around 200 dilapidated barrels and 1,000 tons of contaminated soil there. Among other things, dioxins and furans, mercury, arsenic and organic solvents were detected.

Minister warns of fire disaster

"These are very dangerous toxic substances," said Červený. If there were a forest fire, there would be a catastrophe, said the politician from the Motorists party. Uncontrolled chemical reactions could then occur.

The former Dobra Voda military training area, which existed from 1952 until its closure at the end of 1991, is affected. With an area of ​​around 17,000 hectares, it was one of the medium-sized facilities of its kind in what was then Czechoslovakia.

Large parts of the former military restricted area on the Czech side are still not allowed to be entered today due to the risk of unexploded bombs and contaminated sites. The exact location where the barrels were found was not mentioned - also in order not to attract onlookers.

Renovation will be lengthy and expensive

Decontamination of the area should begin this month and will last until 2028, Minister Červený said. He estimated the costs for this at 192 million crowns, the equivalent of almost eight million euros. It still needs to be checked whether the groundwater is contaminated with chemicals. The Ministry of Defense promised to cooperate in the disposal, as grenades, ammunition and mines are also suspected in the area.

Statements by the right-wing extremist politician Filip Turek (also a motorist) on public broadcasting had previously caused confusion. He spoke of contamination with chemical warfare agents such as mustard gas or phosgene. Červený rejected such speculation. This suspicion was not confirmed during the investigations.