The regular oil spill exercise at the mouth of the Tiroler Achen river is an essential component of the safety concept on the basis of which the Transalpine Oil Pipeline (TAL) is operated at this location. Under the direction of the Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW) and in close cooperation with TAL as well as responsible authorities, 140 emergency forces practiced the emergency in Lake Chiemsee last weekend. The category 2 oil spill exercise is mandated by the government of Upper Bavaria and takes place every three years.

In the damage scenario, targeted measures are used to prevent crude oil from entering Lake Chiemsee and to test its removal in detail. Since this is a sensitive nature conservation area, those responsible carried out the exercise in the most environmentally friendly way possible. For the first time, an amphibious vehicle was used to bring in the necessary oil spill response equipment.

Along with environmental protection, the operation of a crude oil pipeline always automatically focuses on the issue of safety. “When it comes to guaranteeing the energy supply, the safety is essential. The oil spill exercise, which has been carried out at Lake Chiemsee regularly since  1969, impressively confirms the perfect interaction of highly qualified emergency services, authorities, partner companies as well as the efficient control systems. works perfectly. I want to express my gratitude to everyone who contributed to the successful execution,” says Alessio Lilli, General Manager of TAL.