Peering over the edge, can you believe this mountain is mostly waste? This is Deponie Ihlenberg. It is no ordinary hill. Deponie Ihlenberg is a testament to East-West relations during the Cold War. It is a place where waste became a commodity.
Let’s delve into the story of Deponie Ihlenberg. Its history began in 1979. The Politburo of the DDR decided to build a landfill here. It was near Selmsdorf and Schӧnberg in the restricted border area. The location was only 14 kilometers from Lubeck.
Initially, the plan was to dump construction debris. Soon, however, the site became a hub for special waste. A permit procedure was not required. There was no citizens’ movement. The soil conditions were not assessed. This lack of oversight would have consequences later.
The deutsch-deutsche Vertrag from 1973 laid the groundwork. The Deponie Schӧnberg was born. The site quickly became attractive to European waste management. Prices in Western Europe were high. Schӧnberg offered disposal for just 20 DM per ton. Waste came from the Netherlands and West Germany. Philips and Beiersdorf were among the clients.
The Hanseatische Baustoffkontor secured exclusive marketing rights. They fostered connections with West German politicians. The DDR profited. However, environmental concerns grew.
In 1989, Deponie Schӧnberg reached its peak. It received 1.3 million tons of waste. By the end of 1989, about 10 million tons of waste were stored here.
After reunification in 1990, the Treuhandanstalt took over. The name changed to Ihlenberg-Deponie. Adolf Hilmer retained control of the site. In 1993, DMG Deponie-Management GmbH gained usage rights. Hilmer and RWE Umwelt were its main shareholders.
The state retained responsibility for aftercare. This risk allocation led to protests. Investigations followed. Experts estimated cleanup costs at 1 billion DM.
Since 1996, the state has controlled the Nutzungsrechte. The Deponie Ihlenberg operates under special permits. A comprehensive closure concept is lacking. The mountain grows by 600,000 tons yearly. It consists mostly of special waste. The mountain is now about 110 meters high. It covers 82 hectares.
Environmental issues plague Deponie Ihlenberg. Groundwater contamination is a concern. A missing base seal poses a threat. Citizens worry about Lübeck’s drinking water. Studies revealed elevated levels of dangerous elements.
The site contains various chemical waste materials. These came mostly from Italy, Switzerland and the Ruhr region. These are waste products of the chemical industry that could no longer be marketed. The operator claims a catalog exists. Yet proof remains elusive.
The core business involves burying waste in sealed containers. These originate from ports like Naples and Rotterdam. The actual waste producers are often unknown. Analyses are limited to sensory checks.
The mixing of waste materials is another key activity. This allows the IAG to handle diverse substances. These are liquid, muddy and shredded wastes.
In 2019, closure was planned for 2035. New management was appointed. The goal is to initiate closure. The Ihlenberg may become an energy provider. Solar, wind, hydrogen and biomass are planned.
Deponie Ihlenberg represents a complex history. It reveals economic exploitation and environmental challenges. It stands as a reminder of past choices. It also symbolizes the need for responsible waste management. The transformation into an energy park offers hope. It shows a path towards a sustainable future.