New safety measures needed on the Störmthal Canal

Additional safety measures are required at the damaged Störmthal Canal in Leipzig's Neuseenland region. According to the Lausitzer und Mitteldeutsche Bergbau-Verwaltungsgesellschaft mbh (LMBV), an increased measurement value during the monitoring of the closed structure has led to a new assessment of the danger situation. Managing Director Bernd Sablotny wants to provide information today on what exactly needs to be done.

What is the problem with the canal?

The 850-metre-long canal with a lock has connected the two post-mining lakes Störmthaler See and Markkleeberger See since 2013. Boats could sail along it. The canal runs over spoil tips.

In March 2021, it was unexpectedly closed because cracks were discovered in the embankment. The fear: if the structure were to collapse, a huge flood wave could pour from the Störmthaler, which is four meters higher, into Lake Markkleeberg and cause serious damage to its shores.

What is the cause of the damage?

According to an expert report, a whole bundle of causes are said to be responsible for the problem. According to mining redeveloper LMBV, this was the result of an expert opinion. Among other things, the groundwater level had developed differently than predicted at the time. In addition, the structure had not settled as planned.

What has happened since the closure

The LMBV immediately took safety measures in 2021, including ramming sheet pile walls at both ends of the canal. Since then, however, according to the mining restoration company, the groundwater has continued to rise and there are corrosion problems. Additional measures became necessary this year. The focus was particularly on the bridge over highway 38, which crosses the canal. Huge concrete blocks were piled up underneath it to support it.

What is to happen next?

The LMBV first wants to provide information today on what additional measures are necessary - "as a precaution", as it says. A feasibility study on the long-term options for the structure has also been announced for 2026. Renovation or a new building are conceivable. The third option is that it would be so expensive that the canal would have to be dismantled. That would be a bleak prospect for tourism in the region.