Boberger Niederung

 Timeline of the investigation and remediation procedures. 
Created by the author, based on BUKEA(2024). Published under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

The timeline above outlines the key phases of the remediation process following the discovery of dioxin contamination in 2018. Initial measures included site closure, risk assessment, and historical investigation. Between 2019 and 2021, extensive site investigations were conducted, including sampling, drilling, and geotechnical analysis. The subsequent planning phase (2022–2024) focused on evaluating remediation strategies and preparing the design, permitting, and tendering processes. From 2023 to 2027, the remediation works are scheduled to take place, including biodiversity-oriented ecological protection measures, clearance of the area,as well excavation of contaminated soil. 

 VIew of the contaminated area.
Photo taken by author in December 2025. Published under CC BY-SA 4.0

After fencing off the heavily contaminated eastern section, BUKEA conducted comprehensive remediation investigations and developed a formal remediation plan, following BBodSchG § 13. 

Several remediation strategies were assessed:  

• Partial excavation approach with containment of the remaining contamination;
• In-situ containment through capping combined with long-term monitoring;
• Complete excavation and replacement of contaminated soil with clean material.