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Germany
North Rhine-Westphalia

Cologne District

Bergisches Land
Rheinisch-Bergischer Kreis
Overath

Lüderich mine sewage sludge dump silted up

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Natural Monuments

Germany
North Rhine-Westphalia

Cologne District

Bergisches Land
Rheinisch-Bergischer Kreis
Overath

Lüderich mine sewage sludge dump silted up

Highlight • Natural

Lüderich mine sewage sludge dump silted up

Recommended by 81 hikers out of 85

This Highlight is in a protected area

Please check local regulations for: Naturpark Bergisches Land

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    Location: Overath, Rheinisch-Bergischer Kreis, Bergisches Land, Cologne District, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

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    Tips

    July 7, 2025

    A true idyll! Until 50 years ago, this area was a landfill for toxic sewage sludge. The 50-meter-high dam was built over the long-disused Grünewald mine. Behind it, huge quantities of sewage sludge from the LÜDERICH lead and zinc mine, located on the other side of the Sülz Valley, were permanently stored. The sludge was pumped up into the basin via an 800-meter-long pipeline across the Sülz Valley. The pump house in the valley can still be seen today.
    de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grube_Gr%C3%BCnewald

    Only after the Lüderich mine was closed in 1978 did the sludge dump find peace. It was deliberately planted with grasses and reeds, and in some places, it was allowed to silt up. Now, it is used by birds, including grey herons, as a resting and nesting site. However, only a long-term study can reveal how much heavy metal the birds accumulate in their bodies.

    The access routes to the interior are blocked by barriers and signs. A fine could range from €25-400 if you use the clearly visible trails leading to the enclosure.

    Source: Not a copy, not an AI, explored by myself.

    Translated by Google •

      March 23, 2023

      The ponds are former clearing ponds of the Grünewald pit, a non-ferrous metal ore pit in the Bensberg ore district. In 1905 the operation of the pit was stopped and the ponds were left to nature.

      Translated by Google •

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        Elevation 190 m

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        Location: Overath, Rheinisch-Bergischer Kreis, Bergisches Land, Cologne District, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

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