St. Gallen water pollution incident involves suspected oil leak

On November 3, 2026, a water pollution incident was discovered in a stream near its junction with the Binnenkanal in Rüthi, Canton St. Gallen. Preliminary findings suggest that oil entered the water via a meteoric water pipe.

Emergency services, including the fire department, responded to the report shortly before 5:00 PM. Responders identified a meteoric shaft on a company premises as the suspected entry point. To prevent further contamination, firefighters used a specialized balloon to seal the shaft, suctioned the contaminated water, and cleaned the affected pipe.

Multiple agencies, including the St. Gallen Cantonal Police, the Cantonal Environmental Damage Service, and fishery inspectors, were involved in the operation. While the cleanup is underway, authorities are still monitoring the situation to determine if there has been any damage to fish, plants, or other aquatic organisms. The exact volume and composition of the oil, as well as the specific cause of the leak, remain unconfirmed.