Rise in Execution of Disarmament Activities for Unexploded Devices - Rise in Seized Arms or Enhanced Arsenal Recoveries
Rise in Munition Clearances in Lower Saxony for 2024
The Lower Saxony Explosive Ordnance Disposal Service (EODS) has experienced a surge in workload due to a hike in construction activities. According to the Ministry of the Interior in Hanover, specialists across Lower Saxony disposed of approximately 221 tons of unexploded ordnance (UXO) from the two World Wars at 1,216 incidents last year. This figure represents a considerable increase compared to 1,023 incidents in the previous year, when around 164 tons of munition were rendered safe.
"We still harbor a substantial amount of World War UXO in Lower Saxony's soil," a spokesperson from the Ministry of the Interior asserted. In light of a modernization offensive in road construction, these remnants appear increasingly common.
Annotation: Lower Saxony, a region in northern Germany, is a historically active military zone, leading to a potential presence of UXOs. Modern technologies in detection and removal might contribute to the increase in clearance efforts, while growing awareness of environmental and safety concerns could also play a role.
The number of non-transportable UXOs has escalated compared to the previous year. At 77 incidents, the munition had to be destroyed on-site. This was necessary in 23 cases in 2023. Nearly 23 tons of UXOs were recovered from the Lower Saxony North Sea last year, compared to approximately 10 tons in 2023. This increase is due to the expansion of infrastructure in the North Sea, a spokesperson remarked.
Lower Saxony's Interior Minister, Daniela Behrens (SPD), expressed the necessity of the EODS. "Given the significant amount of hazardous munition lingering in Lower Saxony's soil, the EODS remains indispensable," she said. "Thanks to the expertise and dedication of the highly qualified employees, potentially hazardous explosive devices are located and safely neutralized every day."
Phosphorus incendiary bombs were found on several occasions. These devices release white phosphorus spontaneously upon contact with air and burn at an intense 1,300 degrees, emitting harmful smoke. A farmer in the Diepholz district discovered an incendiary bomb while plowing his field, resulting in smoke developing. The fire department alerted the EODS, who removed the bomb and phosphorus. In Hanover, a phosphorus incendiary bomb emitted smoke on a demolition site, causing injuries to firefighters and police officers attempting to contain the smoke with sand before the arrival of disposal experts.
- In the context of the rise in munition clearances in Lower Saxony, the community should be aware of the strict policy regarding the handling and disposal of unexploded ordnance (UXO), especially Phosphorus incendiary bombs, to ensure safety and adherence to industry standards in finance and energy.
- As the employment policy for the Lower Saxony Explosive Ordnance Disposal Service (EODS) continues to expand due to the increase in UXO clearances, it is crucial to maintain necessary skillsets in detection, removal, and neutralization of UXOs, reflecting the importance of this workforce in the industry, finance, and energy sectors.
