New sealing wall planned for the remediation of the Gamsenried VS landfill site
Published: Monday, Jun 17th 2024, 15:20
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The former Gamsenried landfill site in Valais, the largest contaminated site in Switzerland, is to be completely remediated in one to two generations. The next step will be the construction of a 1.3-kilometer-long and 30-meter-deep sealing wall.
This will create the basis for the actual remediation work, according to a media conference held by the canton of Valais and the chemical company Lonza on Monday. The planned sealing wall will reduce the outflow of contaminated groundwater from the landfill to almost zero, said Christine Genolet-Leubi, head of the environmental department.
Anton Aeby, Head of Environmental Projects at Lonza in Visp, explained that the remediation phase of the most heavily contaminated area of the landfill could thus be initiated without risk. Construction is due to start next year.
The soil around the Gamsenried landfill site between Brig and Visp is contaminated with mercury and other pollutants. Lonza dumped toxic waste there between 1918 and 1978.
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