Community & Environment

Environmental overview

At the Kirchanschöring site, GTR undertook construction of a 6.000m2 drilling pad and deep drilling activities, concluding in 2022. The obtain approval for these activities GTR commissioned extensive environmental studies and were approved by the State Office for Environment.

• A Noise study was completed by Hoock & Partner

• Species conservation assessments as well as landscape-ecological compatibility study (FFH study) by a specialist company. Consequential protective measures include:

  • Insect-friendly lighting at the drilling pad

  • Set up of a reptile fence around the drilling pad

• The drilling site is not located in a water protection area. Conductor pipes inserted into the aquiclude blocked out the groundwater even before drilling began. These remain in-place following drilling. All drilling fluids and cements used during the drilling were approved by the Bavarian State Office for Environment and correspond to the highest water protection class 1. The boreholes are steel cased and cemented in sections, which prevents the connection of different groundwater levels.

• The drilling site was examined by a specialist company for ammunition remnants and unexploded ordnance from previous wars and was found to be free of explosives.

• As part of the permitting process, GTR applied for Kirchanschöring and the surrounding area not to be suitable for nuclear repositories and to be taken out of the cadastre of the Federal BASE (Federal Office for the Safety of Nuclear Waste Management).

For future onsite activities, GTR will undertake comprehensive environmental assessments in accordance with regulations stipulated by the Bavarian State Office for Environment.