K+S Group, Kassel, Germany, reports that persistent severe drought in recent months has led to production being temporarily interrupted at some Werra plants. Their main disposal method is currently restricted due to the exceptionally low water level in the Werra River.
The Wintershall site was shut down the morning of Aug. 27 and will not be able to start production again until further notice. Production at the Hattorf site is still secured, but if the water level continues to remain low, the operations will also have to be shut down. Based on current forecasts, the Unterbreizbach site can continue to produce.
K+S said it is making every effort to increase production at the Werra plant as soon as possible. Additional measures for wastewater disposal are currently being examined.