A stookolie leak from the Arcelor Mittal facility caused concern in the Gent-Terneuzen canal area early this morning. Around 1.30 AM on 2025-05-07 09:52:00, the local fire brigade was alerted to the incident, which saw heating oil spill into the canal via the sewer system. The contamination stretched over a distance of approximately one kilometre, raising environmental alarms.
- Brandweer reageert op stookolie lek
- Olie lekt van Arcelor Mittal bedrijf
- Vervuiling beslaat 1 kilometer kanaal
- Brandweer gebruikt olieschorten om lekken
- Arcelor schakelt gespecialiseerde firma in
- Firma verwijdert stookolie met speciale wagens
The fire brigade acted swiftly to contain the spill using olieschorten—floating oil barriers that rise about ten centimetres above the water surface. These barriers effectively prevented the stookolie from spreading further downstream. However, the removal of the oil requires specialised equipment beyond the fire brigade’s capacity.
With containment secured, the next steps involve professional cleanup. What impact will this spill have on local waterways, and how quickly can the situation be resolved? The following summary provides key details.
How serious is this environmental incident for the region? While the fire brigade’s rapid response limited damage, the spill highlights vulnerabilities in industrial waste management. Key points to consider include:
- The oil contamination reached one kilometre, indicating significant spread potential.
- Containment used olieschorten to prevent further pollution, showing effective emergency protocols.
- Arcelor Mittal has engaged a specialist company for oil removal, underscoring the need for expert intervention.
Moving forward, authorities and Arcelor Mittal must ensure thorough cleanup and review safety measures to prevent future leaks. Residents and environmental groups will be watching closely—will this prompt stronger safeguards for Belgium’s waterways?
