Works on Ruien-Chièvres underground cable temporarily halted by an outbreak of bentonite

High-voltage system operator Elia has halted works on the laying of the underground cable between Ruien and Chièvres due to a bentonite outbreak near the Scheldestraat in Kluisbergen.

Bentonite is a naturally occurring sodium-clay with particles so small that they can make the ground waterproof. Bentonite is not harmful, but it can cause a nuisance. Immediate measures were taken just after the incident. For now, the site is at a standstill; it is still unclear when work will restart.

High-voltage system operator Elia is currently working on laying an underground cable between the high-voltage substation of Ruien (Kluisbergen) and Chièvres (in Hainaut province) to replace the high-voltage line that will be demolished. The works in the Flemish region are currently located off the Scheldestraat in Kluisbergen. To our regret, an incident occurred at our work site near the Scheldestraat in Kluisbergen on Friday. The cause is still unknown, but perhaps too much pressure arose, causing the bentonite to find its way through the subsoil to two impacted houses.

We intervened immediately: the site supervisor and contractor went to the site, a cleaning team cleaned everything at the people's homes, and a stability engineer was also appointed. Of course the damage suffered by the residents will be compensated via the insurance. We deeply regret this incident, and apologise to the residents who were affected.

Diversion

There is currently also a ban on traffic in Scheldestraat and vehicles are diverted via Grote Herreweg and Kapellestraat. Elia is also examining whether the route of the underground cable can be changed, but will consult with the municipality of Kluisbergen on this matter. It is not yet clear when work will resume.