K+S Group, Kassel, reported on Sept. 11 that due to persistent severe drought, the water level in the Werra River remains at an exceptionally low level and the company has opted to temporarily interrupt production at the Hattorf site. K+S had already shut down the Wintershall site on Aug. 27 (GM Aug. 31, p. 26). The company said based on current forecasts, the Unterbreizbach site can continue to produce.
K+S said it continues to make every effort to increase production at the Werra plant as soon as possible. Additional measures for saline water disposal, such as an increase in remote disposal, are already in place. Additional disposal options are currently being examined.