WHG areas: Requirements, legal situation and costs at a glance

WHG areas are essential protection areas that are very important in areas where chemicals, oils and other hazardous liquids are used. These include industrial plants and filling stations. Compliance with the legal requirements is crucial for environmental protection and the safety of people and nature.

In our blog article "WHG areas: Requirements, legal situation and costs at a glance", we provide you with important information. We explain the legal situation and practical implementation. You can also use our cost calculator. This will give you a better understanding of the financial aspects of WHG areas. So you can plan efficiently. This will help you to make good decisions.

I. WHG areas: Basics and definition

WHG areas are special areas that are intended for the handling of substances hazardous to water in accordance with the German Federal Water Act (WHG). These areas must be impermeable to liquids and are often made of materials such as FD or FDE concrete.

They are found in industrial plants, filling stations and other companies that store or process substances hazardous to water. The main task of WHG areas is to prevent these substances from entering the soil and groundwater. This ensures the protection of the environment.

Compliance with WHG regulations is required by law and is monitored by environmental authorities. Violations can lead to considerable fines and legal consequences.

II Specifications for WHG areas

Technical requirements for WHG areas:

– Verwendung spezieller flüssigkeitsdichter Materialien wie FD-Beton (flüssigkeitsdichter Beton) oder FDE-Beton (flüssigkeitsdichter Beton nach Eindringprüfung)
Fugenlose und chemikalienbeständige Oberfläche.
– Gefälle und Aufkantungen zur sicheren Rückhaltung ausgelaufener Stoffe.
– Spezielle Abdichtungsmaßnahmen für Durchdringungen wie Rohrleitungen oder Verankerungen.

Testing and monitoring WHG AREAS

- Regular visual inspections by the operator.

– Prüfung vor Inbetriebnahme und wiederkehrende Prüfungen durch externe Sachverständige einer anerkannten Sachverständigenorganisation.
– Detailprüfung nach WHG zusätzlich zu den Sichtkontrollen, insbesondere für Auffangwannen.

Documentation and reporting obligations

- Detailed documentation of all inspections and maintenance work.

- Immediate reporting of relevant events or defects to the responsible authorities.

III. Legal situation for WHG AREAS

The legal basis for WHG areas in Germany is complex and comprises various levels of legislation. At the highest level is European law with the EU Water Framework Directive, which provides the overarching framework. At national level, the Water Resources Act (WHG), in particular §62 and §63, forms the core of regulation. In addition, the federal states issue their own ordinances that take specific regional aspects into account.

The Ordinance on Installations for the Handling of Substances Hazardous to Water (AwSV) is also important. It sets out clear technical requirements for WHG areas. Failure to comply with the requirements can have serious consequences:

PENALTIES FOR NON-COMPLIANCE FOR APARTMENT AREAS

- Fines: Up to 50,000 euros for violations of the WHG.

- Criminal consequences: Possible investigations in the event of serious violations.

- Environmental liability: Operators are fully liable for any environmental damage caused, with no maximum liability limits.

- Insurance cover: Only applies if the system is planned and operated in compliance with the law.

- Remediation costs: Significant costs for soil and water remediation can arise.

The responsibility for the proper operation of a WHG area lies with the operator. The operator must ensure that all legal requirements are met. Regular staff training, emergency plans and safety inspections are essential components of responsible operation. In view of the high costs and legal risks, operators of WHG sites must invest in protective measures. They should also always be aware of the latest technical and legal requirements.

IV. Costs in connection with WHG areas

The investment costs are € 550 - € 650 per m2. This price includes all costs.

Example: You would like to convert an area of 20m x 5m (100m2) into a WHG area. In this case, you will incur total investment costs of €55,000 to €65,000, depending on the location, provider and other circumstances.

CONSTRUCTION COST CALCULATOR FOR APARTMENTS

FURTHER COSTS

However, the costs do not stop after completion. Ongoing costs will also be incurred. These include, among other things:

- Operating costs:

Regelmäßige Kontrollen, Wartungen und Schulungen des Personals sind notwendig, um den sicheren Betrieb der WHG-Fläche zu gewährleisten.
Hierbei sind auch die Kosten für die Dokumentation und Meldung von Ereignissen einzukalkulieren.

- Insurance costs:

To protect yourself against financial risks, it is advisable to take out appropriate insurance. These can vary depending on the size of the company and its risk profile.

V. Substances hazardous to water and their classification

In order to understand the significance of WHG areas, it is important to know the types of water-polluting substances. Their classification also plays a role. In Germany, substances and mixtures are divided into so-called water hazard classes (WGK) according to their hazard potential for water bodies:

- WGK 1: slightly hazardous to water

- WGK 2: clearly hazardous to water

- WGK 3: highly hazardous to water

There are also the categories "not hazardous to water" (nwg) and "generally hazardous to water" (awg). These apply to substances such as liquid manure or silage seepage. This classification helps to take appropriate protective measures when handling these substances. Here are some specific examples of substances hazardous to water that could be stored or processed on WHG land:

- WGK 1: Acetic acid, sodium chloride (common salt), ethanol, soap suds, biodiesel

- WGK 2: Heating oil, toluene, dichloromethane, hydraulic oil

- WGK 3: Waste oil, carbon tetrachloride, mercury and its compounds, certain pesticides

- awg: liquid manure, silage seepage, slurry

The classification is based on properties such as toxicity to aquatic organisms, bioaccumulation and degradability in the environment.

Conclusion: Sustainable use of WHG areas and KATMA CleanControl

Compliance with the rules for WHG areas is required by law. It is also important for environmental protection and safety. Operators should know the laws well.

They must undergo regular training. They should also always use the latest technologies to fulfill their responsibilities.

Although these investments incur costs, they are important. They help to prevent damage and make the handling of water-polluting substances sustainable.

Are you about to build a WHG area, or do you already have a WHG area? Then find out now about the KATMA CleanControl, a fully automated interior cleaning of trailers for trucks. No investment is necessary, the machine remains the property of KATMA CleanControl. Faster cleaning, more traffic, no effort and no personnel - find out more about KATMA CleanControl now.