Explosive ordnance investigation on the Danube: Tuttlingen is preparing!

Explosive ordnance investigation on the Danube: Tuttlingen is preparing!

In Tuttlingen, major redesign work is underway on the Danube, but before work can begin with excavators and shovels, extensive explosive ordnance examinations are necessary. The city initiated this test to ensure that the area around the train station, federal highway and the banks of the Danube is safe from possible unexploded bombs from the Second World War. Michael Hensch, the city's environmental officer, explains that this area was heavily contested during wartime. Previous studies have already shown that the soil conditions here have sensitive aspects. For example, investigations have already taken place during the construction of the station forecourt and the new Edeka market.

A big focus is on the area from Koppenland to the new Edeka, which is particularly affected. The first aerial photo evaluations were commissioned in 2024. It is important to note that there were numerous bomb attacks in Tuttlingen, many of which detonated explosive devices. However, there is a possibility that so-called unexploded bombs are still hiding in the ground, as the city and the Baden-Württemberg Explosive Ordnance Disposal Service note. A first on-site appointment for the preventative measures is scheduled for this month.

Plan for the future

The city administration plans to set up a close-meshed grid for the systematic examination of the soil. If explosive devices are found, they must either be blown up on site or disposed of properly. For security reasons, the suspects for such finds are far enough away from the settlement area, which makes a large-scale evacuation of the population unlikely. The redesign of the bank area at the Golem in Tuttlingen should begin by 2026 at the latest if all measures go smoothly.

In parallel to the exploratory work, planning for the redesign of the Danube is underway. They would like to begin the first visible work next year. Among other things, water rights for the Golem area are being applied for so that construction can start in August 2026. The new designs envisage better integrating existing concrete platforms into the riverside landscape and creating safe access to the water.

Explosive Ordnance Disposal: An Important Step to Security

Explosive ordnance disposal in Germany covers both civil and military areas, with the aim always being to avert danger. In Tuttlingen, the explosive ordnance disposal service is closely involved in the measures. It is important to note that the process involves more than just defusing; it also requires in-depth historical exploration and comprehensive risk assessments. For this purpose, archive materials and aerial photographs are evaluated in order to correctly assess the risks.

The ordering of explosive ordnance clearance is based on a sophisticated clearance concept that takes various factors into account. If necessary explosive devices are discovered, evacuation is carried out through soundings with geophysical detectors. Finds that cannot be handled must be defused or blown up. Dealing with these risks sensibly shows how important cooperation between the city, authorities and experts is to ensure the safety of citizens.

The preparations for the transformation of the Danube in Tuttlingen are more than just a plaster on a wound. It's about making the city fit for the future while dealing with the challenges of past conflicts.

Wikipedia on the subject of explosive ordnance disposal also provides interesting background information and shows how important this topic can be not only for Tuttlingen, but for entire regions.