Ohlsdorf in the environmental scandal: court judgment brings 770,000 euros in damages!

Ohlsdorf in the environmental scandal: court judgment brings 770,000 euros in damages!

On July 9, 2025, a pioneering judgment was made in the environmental scandal around the municipality of Ohlsdorf. The Supreme Court confirmed the decision of the Linz Higher Regional Court, which won the municipality in a civil law process against a waste disposal company from Pinsdorf. The waste disposal company, which was responsible for the professional disposal of liquid production waste from plant protection product production, must now compensate for damage to the municipality.

The background to this judgment goes back to a found groundwater pollution, which caused a maid smell in the Ohlsdorf water supply at the beginning of 2014. The cause of this contamination was in illegal deposits of pesticides in a building scale. Despite the severity of the situation, the state of Upper Austria did not act against the waste disposal company, which the municipality of Ohlsdorf was the only damaged area body to take the legal path.

important stage victory for the municipality

The judgment of the Supreme Court spoke to the municipality of Ohlsdorf an amount of around 770,000 euros plus interest and costs. Mayor Inés Mirlacher expressed a positive statement about the judge's decision and the prospect of damages. This is a significant success in a case in which the responsible courts have so far not been able to determine any criminal responsibility of the waste disposal company. In addition, both the company and its managing director at the time are now also liable for future damage that could result from the illegal deposits.

In the first instance, the state court of Wels had already awarded an amount of 632,870.35 euros plus interest and process costs in April. The law firm Steinbüchler, Mühlleitner, Wageneder, Steinbüchler and Weidinger represented the community in this civil law process and played a decisive role in the legal discussion.

legal framework conditions

The legal aspects of the case are complex and are subject to the Waste Management Act. According to the provisions, companies that deal with dangerous waste must meet strict requirements and controls. The regulations are particularly relevant in the disposal of substances such as pesticides in order to avoid environmental damage. The current situation in Ohlsdorf illustrates how important a complete surveillance and compliance with environmental standards are to protect communities from such incidents.

This case also raises questions about the responsibility of state authorities. While the municipality has become active, the support of the state of Upper Austria failed to materialize, which, in many citizens and experts, is perceived as a lack of responsibility. Inés Mirlacher therefore demanded more transparency and commitment from the responsible bodies.

Overall, this decision marks a turning point for the municipality of Ohlsdorf, which can now hope for damages. Success could also encourage other municipalities to consider similar legal steps in order to stand up for their rights.

Further details on the legal foundations can be found in the Waste Management Act, which contains important regulations on environmentally friendly waste management. However, the topic remains sensitive and requires more watchful checks and measures to protect the environment.

For further information on the legal aspects of the Waste Management Act, please visit Jusline while OTS and Kommunal report in detail about the environmental scandal and the latest developments.