Restoring polluted Swedish lake

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32406, 19 September 1970, Page 11

Restoring polluted Swedish lake

STOCKHOLM. The partly overgrown and polluted Lake Trummen will become purified by a unique method that should reduce its age by 2000 years. Ecologists affirm that this Is the most important experiment conducted in Sweden in the preservation of nature. Lake Trummen is situated near Vaxjo in southern Sweden. Its history is: About 1900 traces of pollution were noticed, but it remained a popular bathing resort until 1938. Chemicals, drained into the lake by a textile factory, increased I dilution during the 19405. Fish began to die. In the 1950 s only small fish lived. The textile factory stopped production, but already the lake was considered dead. z

In 1966 scientists from Lund University examined the area and produced a plan to revive the waters.

During the next two years, 600,000 cubic metres of dirt and slime will be transferred into six dams by a large suction device. The deposit will be used to nourish poor soil in the surroundings. Clean water will be filtered back into the lake. Most overgrown areas will be cleared by a work-force of 15 men. An island will be constructed in the lake’s centre, mainly to support bird life. The cost of $NZ350,000 will be met by the local council and the Swedish state. Vaxjo intends to develop a better milieu for the siting of a new university, hospital and housing block, and hopes that Trummen will again attract bathers.