Danube pollution: Emergency measures taken at Óbuda Gasworks

Emergency damage control measures have been initiated to prevent toxic substances from the former Óbuda Gasworks from leaking into the Danube. Due to extremely low water levels in the river, hazardous materials that have long contaminated the soil are becoming visible and are actively seeping into the water.

Approximately 200,000 tons of contaminated soil, containing cyanide, arsenic, and other dangerous compounds, are located at the site. MVM, the state-owned company that has owned the facility since 2014, stated that current actions are intended to manage the immediate emergency rather than serve as a final remediation plan. To protect the river's ecosystem, absorbent materials have been placed around the leakages to soak up pollutants while allowing water to pass through.

The affected riverbank has been cordoned off to prevent public access. While MVM is preparing a long-term remediation plan, environmental experts from Greenpeace have criticized the current response as “cosmetic,” noting that absorbent materials only address surface seepage while underwater contamination continues to flow into the river unabated.