Mayor Christoph Aidelsburger has now presented an explanation for the situation.
According to the mayor, water levels have risen because the riverbed has not been cleaned for an extended period. Many municipalities had hesitated to begin maintenance because there was long-standing uncertainty regarding how to dispose of the dredged sludge. The water is contaminated with PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals.”
A solution was recently reached during a meeting between specialized departments and the affected communes. Sediment removed during maintenance will, where possible, be placed on land adjacent to the river to dry. Once dried, the material will undergo laboratory testing. If it meets “Category 1” recycling standards, it will be permitted for distribution along the banks.
PFAS in the Friedberg-Ach: The Root Problem Remains
Rehling finds itself in a relatively favorable position. Because the river is classified as a “Category 2” waterway in this community and in Todtenweis, the responsibility for bed clearance lies with the Water Management Office. However, municipalities located further south, such as Affing and Friedberg, must handle these tasks independently.
The fundamental issue is likely to plague the affected communities for a long time. To date, there is no solution for eliminating the source of the contamination itself. Carcinogenic PFAS chemicals entered the water from firefighting foam used at a former military airfield near Penzing, located upstream.
Cemetery Bylaws: Criticism from the Community Council
At the beginning of the meeting, criticism was voiced regarding the minutes of the final meeting of last year, which discussed new cemetery bylaws. Michael Lindermayer complained that both the meeting minutes and the community’s press information were formulated in a one-sided manner. In his view, the actual course of the meeting was misrepresented. Lindermayer also expressed dissatisfaction that the administration provided information about the bylaw changes too late, preventing a decision from being reached. He demanded that the administration amend the minutes and resubmit the matter to the council. With twelve council members present, eight supported the demand, and the motion was passed by a majority.
Housing Acceleration and Community Donations
- Construction Acceleration: The Housing Construction Acceleration Act was also a topic of discussion. Aidelsburger emphasized: “The community always reserves the final word if projects exceed previously applicable conditions.” The council intends to continue reviewing construction projects submitted under the new Building Code provisions independently to relieve administrative staff of complex details. Since meetings in Rehling occur monthly, this will not result in increased wait times. The decision was unanimous.
- Donations: Donations for Rehling’s public utility institutions were approved. According to the mayor, the total amount in 2025 exceeded 10,000 euros for the first time, reaching 10,233 euros. This consisted of 18 individual donations, ten of which came from the local Raiffeisenbank. Other contributors included the “Starry Sky Allgäu” association, the Rehling Gardening Society, Energie Schwaben, Sparkasse Altbayern, Parquet Master Hörmann, and three anonymous donors. Funds were directed to the school, kindergarten, library, holiday program organizers, and the fire department.
- Workshop: Mayor Aidelsburger announced a workshop for all interested parties, to be held on January 28 at 7:30 PM at the Aindling parish hall. Former Weyarn Mayor Michael Pelzer will give a presentation on rural development and building community through village growth.
Source: Augsburger Allgemeine
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