Neumarkt prepares for blackout
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The member municipalities of the regional association Salzburger Seenland are working together with the Salzburg disaster protection emergency plans for a blackout. The municipality of Neumarkt am Wallersee (Flachgau) is preparing for a timely, widespread power failure.
A central point in a blackout is the water supply, says Neumarkt Mayor Adi Rieger (ÖVP). If the worst came to the worst, diesel-powered emergency generators would be used, together with the elevated tank, which has a capacity of 1,200 cubic meters, the water supply would be secured for three days.
Wastewater disposal as a challenge
The subject of sewage disposal is more complicated, says Rieger. Areas that drain via a gravity sewer are not directly affected by a blackout, but areas that are drained via pumping stations are. However, the biological wastewater treatment in the sewage treatment plant works for around three days, after which the microorganisms can no longer be supplied with the necessary oxygen.
A retention basin can also hold wastewater from one to two days. The feed screws have already been retrofitted with an emergency power supply. According to the mayor of Neumarkt, the photovoltaic system on the sewage treatment plant is to be built from the current 25 to 100 kilowatt peak for further precautionary measures. In addition, the purchase of a diesel tank system with an off-grid pump is planned for the coming year.
Make personal preparations
Despite the precautions, Rieger appeals to everyone to make an individual emergency plan. The civil protection association has prepared instructions for this – it is suggested that you should have a supply of food and water for at least ten to 14 days, a battery or crank radio, candles or flashlights and a cooking area that is not connected to electricity at home.