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Toxic substances: Enztalhalle in Mühlhausen will remain closed until 2029!
Mühlhausen is closing the Enztalhalle by 2029 due to carcinogenic PCBs. Focus on renovation plans and health aspects.
Toxic substances: Enztalhalle in Mühlhausen will remain closed until 2029!
The Enztalhalle in Mühlhausen will remain closed longer than originally planned due to health concerns. According to pz-news.de, the hall will remain closed at least until 2029. The reason for the closure is potentially carcinogenic substances, namely polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), which have penetrated into the sand-lime bricks in the joints of the walls and behind the wood paneling.
Mayor Armin Dauner, head of office Thomas Brandl and Joachim Dick from the building construction department provided the information. The renovation options available are both costly and time-consuming. So far there is no preferred solution from the city administration, and the total renovation is estimated to cost around one million euros.
Early closure and health risks
The city of Mühlhausen has decided to close the Enztalhalle six weeks earlier than planned in order to begin renovating the interior of the multi-purpose hall. During a building material inspection it was discovered that PCBs were installed in the structure, which led to its immediate closure. According to muehlacker.de, it was decided in consultation with the health department that the hall may no longer be used due to increased indoor air concentrations of PCBs.
The air in the Enztalhalle had values between 2,110 and 4,075 nanograms per cubic meter, not only above the permissible limits, but also above the critical values for immediate renovation decisions. The use of PCBs is now banned in Germany and strict guidelines apply when dealing with building materials contaminated with PCBs. These substances have been used in various components and electrical parts since the 1950s and are suspected of impairing the immune system and reproductive ability and being carcinogenic.
Transitional solutions for hall users
The city is currently working on interim solutions for hall users, as the closure of the hall has far-reaching effects on sporting, cultural and social activities in Mühlhausen. However, a quick solution is essential due to the safety of visitors and users.
The Enztalhalle will remain closed while the city plans and implements the necessary renovation steps. The citizens of Mühlhausen have to be prepared for a longer wait until the hall is open to the public again.