The concession of Schweizer Salinen AG for salt mining in the canton of Aargau expires in 2025. As part of the concession extension for the next 50 years, the mining area is to be defined in the structure plan and a cantonal utilization plan is to be drawn up for the various brine fields. For the first brine field "Nordfeld" in the Möhlinerfeld, a utilization plan has been developed and an environmental impact report (EIR) has been prepared.
Over a period of about 20 years, around 6 million tons of salt are to be extracted by drilling about 65 wells. A transport pipeline will carry brine and fresh water between the Riburg salt works in Rheinfelden and the Solfeld site in Wallbach and Zeiningen. The project thus comprises decentralized construction and operating work over a period of around 20 years as well as a unique line construction site with a length of around 10 km. Especially during the construction phases, numerous environmental aspects of the project are highly relevant, such as groundwater, soil, noise and light emissions, construction waste, forest and water protection. In the EIA, measures were defined with which the project can be realized in an environmentally compatible manner.
Evaluation of existing project fundamentals, procurement and evaluation of general environmental data and special reports as well as official requirements for the EIA
Creation of an environmental relevance matrix for all environmental aspects including specific special topics for the initial state as well as the construction and operating phases
Participation in project development, carrying out inspections with cantonal authorities for environmental project optimization
Assessment of the environmental compatibility of the project, evaluation of accompanying measures during the construction phase and of ecological replacement/enhancement measures
Preparation of a detailed environmental impact report (EIA main study) for the "Nordfeld" brine field and the transport pipeline
Supporting the client in the internal administrative conference (VIK) and in the consultation and participation process (public consultation)
Challenges
Extraordinary project in terms of space, time and procedure, concession extension with cantonal structure and utilization plan, resulting in close coordination with cantonal offices and specialist departments
Due to the size of the area (Möhlinerfeld), numerous affected landowners and farmers as well as other project stakeholders
Drilling work for cavern construction runs around the clock, making night-time noise and light emissions highly relevant with specific measures
The project affects a landscape of cantonal importance (LkB), the regional nature park "Jurapark" and the wildlife corridor WTK AG 01
Approximately 10 km long line construction site for the transport pipeline with road and stream crossings as well as sections through forest areas
Recognize project-related opportunities (ecological enhancement and networking measures) and integrate them profitably into planning
Our solutions
Early involvement of the cantonal and communal approval authorities and the various specialist offices of the canton in the project planning phase enables the development of an approvable construction project
Careful public relations work and information for landowners, residents and local nature conservation associations creates mutual understanding and acceptance and enables overriding interests (wildlife corridor, nature conservation, ecological enhancement, etc.) to be taken into account.
Forward-looking and far-sighted planning of the long construction and operating phases, incorporation of empirical values from existing and ongoing brine fields (e.g. Bäumlihof), development of practical solutions
Close and supportive cooperation in an interdisciplinary project team with specialists from various consulting firms (geology/hydrogeology, spatial planning, environment, etc.) and Schweizer Salinen AG
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