Environmental Group Files Criminal Complaint After Major Oil Spill in Brandenburg
A significant oil spill in northeastern Brandenburg has prompted an environmental organization to file a criminal complaint against the operator of the affected pipeline. The incident, which saw at least 200,000 liters of crude oil released, resulted in extensive contamination of agricultural land and raised concerns regarding the safety protocols and infrastructure used by the pipeline operator.
The event occurred near the town of Gramzow in the Uckermark region during preparatory work for a routine safety inspection. According to official sources, a leak developed in the pipeline, producing a substantial oil fountain that led to widespread black pools forming on the ground. It reportedly took several hours before the leak was successfully contained, during which time the oil continued to escape and impact the surrounding environment.
The Deutsche Umwelthilfe, a prominent environmental organization, submitted a criminal complaint alleging soil contamination and possible negligence by the pipeline operator, PCK Raffinerie Schwedt. The organization cited concerns that the pipeline, which stretches approximately 200 kilometers and supplies the Schwedt refinery with crude oil, was being utilized beyond its originally intended capacity. Documents from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs reportedly indicated that the pipeline was designed for emergency supply only, rather than continuous operation.
In response, PCK Raffinerie Schwedt stated that the relevant sections of the pipeline had been examined by the Technical Inspection Association (TÜV) following the incident. The company asserted that the inspected equipment met all regulatory standards and showed no technical deficiencies. Investigations into the precise cause of the leak remain ongoing, with authorities focusing on the possible failure of safety components. Preliminary reports indicated that two securing bolts may have become dislodged for reasons yet to be determined.
Environmental authorities have been actively monitoring the aftermath of the spill. The local environmental office oversaw the removal of affected soil to a depth of approximately 20 centimeters across an area of about two hectares--equivalent to the size of two to three football fields. Pump trucks were deployed to collect the spilled oil, and barriers were installed to prevent further spread. Water samples taken from the surrounding area reportedly showed no contamination as a result of the spill, and the turf immediately adjacent to the leak was carefully removed and transported for safe disposal.
Despite the operator's assurances of compliance, the environmental organization criticized the continued use of the pipeline without the upgrades deemed necessary by federal authorities. The group highlighted that, following the geopolitical upheaval caused by the conflict in Ukraine, the German government had moved to diversify oil supply routes, resulting in the pipeline from the port of Rostock to Schwedt becoming a crucial conduit for petroleum products in northeastern Germany and Berlin.
The government has proposed a EUR400 million upgrade to improve the pipeline's safety and reliability, but the plan is still awaiting approval from the European Commission. In the meantime, the investigation into the spill continues, and further soil testing is planned to determine whether deeper layers have been affected and require remediation.
As of the latest updates, the pipeline has resumed operation after an 80-hour shutdown, with local authorities and environmental agencies maintaining close oversight of cleanup and restoration efforts. The incident has reignited debate over infrastructure safety and environmental protection in Germany's energy supply network.