Overview
- The Stuttgart public prosecutor is examining initial suspicion of air pollution and breach of supervisory duties, taking over the case from Heilbronn and proceeding against unknown persons, with potential penalties of fines or up to five years in prison.
- Researchers from Goethe University estimated average releases of about 30 tonnes of SF6 per year in 2020–2023 for the Heilbronn region, contrasted with Solvay’s reported 56 kilograms for 2023 and a later figure of 310 kilograms for 2024.
- Environment Minister Thekla Walker defended the timing of public information by citing legal risks without validated proof, acknowledged that officials should have moved faster, and said specialized on‑site measurement capacity was hard to secure.
- Opposition parties and environmental groups pressed for accountability in a special environment committee session, criticizing months of doubt cast on the findings before authorities conceded Solvay was effectively the only plausible source.
- Baden‑Württemberg and Solvay agreed to a five‑month, tightly supervised test operation through mid‑May with frequent internal and external measurements, limits on plant start‑ups and shutdowns, and possible sanctions up to €100,000, as preliminary readings indicated reductions but not full compliance in all conditions.