Technical University of Munich: Kerosene leak at the Garching campus

More than 5,000 liters of kerosene have leaked from a utility building on the Garching campus during construction work. At least part of the kerosene leaked through the floor of the building into the soil and also into the groundwater. This was revealed today by initial test drillings carried out by a commissioned expert. At present, it can be assumed that the spread of the kerosene is limited to an assessable area. The soil samples will now be examined in a laboratory to determine the distribution of the kerosene more precisely. Initial results are expected tomorrow. Further drilling will take place. Based on the results, a decision will be made as to which measures will be initiated as quickly as possible to minimize damage.

Last week, a company was commissioned by the State Construction Office to renew a pumping station that pumps kerosene from a tank into research facilities located next to the building of the Departments of Aerospace and Geodesy and of Mechanical Engineering. The fuel is needed there in propulsion research. On Monday, a TUM employee discovered that kerosene was leaking from the system. The company informed immediately and then stopped the leak. No one was injured. TUM is currently working with all parties involved and relevant authorities to investigate the causes of the incident.