In the municipal council meeting on July 27th, 2021, the Free Voters and FÜR Karlsruhe put the investigation and restoration of agricultural land on the agenda. The application draws attention to the fact that Karlsruhe is dependent on new areas and therefore a precise listing of the existing areas and whether they are usable or can be made usable is necessary. “In recent years, more and more land has been withdrawn from local agriculture. We want to support local farmers as best we can,” says parliamentary group leader Jürgen Wenzel.
The city administration replied to the supplementary application that contaminated sites have been systematically processed nationwide since 1987. The answer shows that 31 municipal areas currently have contaminated sites, i.e. soil or groundwater contamination has been proven. The processing of the areas has progressed to such an extent that health hazards have been ruled out and impairments to the groundwater are known. If necessary, these should be treated with appropriate remediation procedures.
“We are pleased that the city is taking the matter seriously and that a detailed report has been promised shortly. In Karlsruhe we urgently need to renaturate areas that are contaminated,” says the parliamentary group. In response, the administration had agreed to put the issue on the agenda of the Environment and Health Committee.
