ICPR – International Commission for the Protection of the Rhine

40 years since the Sandoz environmental disaster – the catalyst for a collaboration that revitalised the Rhine

Forty years ago today, on 1 November 1986, tonnes of pesticides were released into the Rhine following a major fire at a chemical factory near Basel. The so-called Sandoz accident polluted the river for hundreds of kilometres and caused a mass mortality of fish and other aquatic life. In response, the riparian countries jointly set the course for even stronger water protection – an approach that remains in place to this day.

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New Basel wastewater treatment plant Basel with 4th treatment stage inaugurated

The ICPR was present when the new wastewater treatment plant in Basel was inaugurated on 18 April. Following a construction period of around 10 years and investments of approximately €350 million, one of the most modern wastewater treatment plants in Europe has been established. Thanks to the 4th treatment stage, micropollutants and nutrients can be removed more effectively from the wastewater of 500,000 people and several industrial areas. This project underlines Switzerland’s commitment to downstream countries. The Rhine is becoming cleaner, and the 30% reduction target for micropollutants by 2040 is now more achievable.

Interim report shows first positive developments regarding micropollutants in the Rhine

In December 2025, the ICPR published its first interim report on the monitoring of discharges of micropollutants in the Rhine river basin. Despite positive developments, particularly in wastewater treatment plants, further efforts are needed in all emission areas in order to achieve the target set in the ‘Rhine 2040’ programme. 

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