Still clearing sludge in Moerdijkvaart in Gistel

In the beginning, with the help of civil protection, more than 100 cubic meters of greasy gunk was removed from the Moerdijkvaart. It flows into the Plassendale-Nieuwpoort canal. The 50,000 euro clean-up costs are in principle borne by the polluter. A sauce company from Eernegem continues to deny any involvement, nor has it been officially suspected.

“Floating dams have been laid and material that has come loose from the reed edges is still floating against the valves on the canal,” says alderman of Environment Wim Aernoudt.

“That is still being cleaned up by a contractor one month after the pollution. It is the interplay of the current on the water, the wind direction, bends and so on that it takes a long time before all the material is collected.”