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

The professional storage of water-polluting substances is a central concern of the Water Resources Act (WHG) in Germany. They are mandatory for filling stations and car washes, for example. The so-called WHG areas play a decisive role here. In this blog article, we take a detailed look at various factors that need to be considered - WHG areas: Specifications, legal situation and costs at a glance. Find out why compliance with these guidelines is not only required by law, but is also essential for environmental protection and the safety of people and nature. A WHG area is also required for the fully automated truck bed cleaning system from KATMA CleanControl. As this is the only investment required for this, in this blog article we look at the requirements, the legal situation and the costs of WHG areas.

I. WHG areas: Basics and definition

In order to understand what WHG areas are, it is important to understand the basics of the Water Resources Act. In Germany, the WHG regulates the careful handling of substances hazardous to water and ensures that potential sources of danger to water bodies are minimized. WHG areas are specific areas designated for the storage, handling or processing of such substances.

II Specifications for WHG areas

The specifications for WHG areas are precise and must be strictly adhered to in order to minimize environmental and health risks. The main requirements include

- Tightness and retention:

WHG areas must be designed in such a way that substances hazardous to water cannot enter the groundwater.
Containment facilities are required to keep the substances concerned on the surface in the event of a leak.
- Equipment and fittings:

The equipment of the WHG areas must comply with the required safety standards.
This includes, for example, special storage containers, drip pans and technical devices for monitoring.
- Documentation and reporting:

Operators of WHG areas are obliged to keep detailed documentation on the stored substances, safety measures and regular inspections.
In the event of relevant incidents, such as accidents or leaks, the responsible authorities must be notified immediately.

III. Legal situation and liability

The legal situation regarding WHG areas is clearly defined in Germany and is substantiated by the Water Resources Act and other ordinances. Failure to comply with the regulations can not only lead to considerable fines, but can also result in criminal prosecution. Operators of WHG areas therefore bear a high level of responsibility and should always ensure compliance with all legal provisions.

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.

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

- Operating costs:

Regular inspections, maintenance and staff training are necessary to ensure the safe operation of the WHG area.
The costs of documenting and reporting incidents must also be taken into account.

- 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

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WHG areas

Conclusion: Sustainable use of WHG areas

Compliance with the requirements for WHG areas is not only required by law, but is also of great importance for environmental protection and safety. Operators should be fully aware of the law, undertake regular training and keep up to date with the latest technology in order to fulfill their responsibilities. Although costly, these investments are essential to prevent potential damage and ensure the sustainable handling of water-polluting substances.

Are you about to construct a WHG area or do you already have a WHG area? Then find out now about KATMA CleanControl, a fully automated truck loading bay cleaning system 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.