A spill of around 2,000 litres of heating oil was discovered in the Molenbeek stream in Sint-Truiden on Friday, originating from a leak in an underground oil tank.
The pollution was first noticed in the Velm and Halmaal districts of Sint-Truiden, with oil spreading across a six-kilometre stretch despite efforts by the fire brigade. By Monday afternoon, the Civil Protection arrived to remove the remaining oil from the water’s surface, while additional absorbent barriers were installed near the Roman Road to contain further contamination.
“The Molenbeek is an important ecological artery of the region,” said Gert Stas, Alderman for Environment and Nature (Vooruit). “Pollution like this can heavily impact aquatic life and the broader ecosystem. We are taking this very seriously and ensuring the response is comprehensive. We will continue to monitor the situation and evaluate any additional measures needed.”
Investigations revealed the leak stemmed from a ruptured underground oil tank, which had passed inspection as recently as 2022. The owners have informed their insurance company, and an expert in soil remediation has been appointed. The tank has since been fully drained.
“This type of oil spill is a reminder that environmental problems can arise unexpectedly, even with recently approved installations,” said Mayor Ludwig Vandenhove (Vooruit). The city government is monitoring the situation closely in coordination with the province and relevant authorities.
