Environment and Climate in Bottrop – March 2026: Nature Conservation, Construction Measures and Compensation

Nature Conservation in the Spotlight: The Grafenmühlenteich and its Significance

The Grafenmühlenteich and the surrounding water system form a central element of the nature conservation area (NSG Grafenmühle, BOT-003) in Bottrop. The Rotbach, Ebersbach, Vennbach, and Pötteringsbach are integral parts of this ecologically valuable region. However, the Rotbach shows a poor chemical and unsatisfactory ecological condition, indicating long-term pollution.

In the course of planning for the stabilization of the area, the condition of the soils was also examined. Valuable gley soils, brown soils, and peat soils were identified, as well as native forest types such as oak-beech forests and hornbeam-oak forests. The reed beds, tall sedge meadows, and riverine forests (alder forests) in the NSG Grafenmühle significantly contribute to biodiversity.

A central goal is the restoration of the continuity of the Ebersbach to re-establish ecological connections. At the same time, disruptive leisure activities should be reduced to relieve the sensitive natural area.

Protection of Critical Infrastructure: The Construction of the New Weir

Another focus of Bottrop's environmental policy was the protection of critical infrastructure, particularly in the area of the weir and culvert "Zur Grafenmühle." The existing structures are considered unstable and at risk of collapse, making urgent repairs necessary.

The planned new construction is a precast concrete structure with a clear height and width of 1.80 meters each. The new culvert not only serves to stabilize the road, but also provides flood protection and ensures the water level of the Grafenmühlenteich. A concrete pipe DN 300 with a length of approximately 60 meters is planned, which will discharge into the outflow area of the culvert.

Construction measures are carried out taking into account a landscape management plan and a species protection review. This ensures that ecological aspects are not neglected, even when securing critical infrastructure.

Compensation and Mitigation: Mobile Antenna in a Landscape Protection Area

The construction of a mobile phone antenna in Bottrop also brought environmental and ecological challenges. The facility will be built in the landscape protection area "Wiesentalbach," which requires a nature conservation exception permit under § 67 (1) BNatSchG and § 75 LNatSchG NRW.

A compensation fee of 4,367.82 euros for landscape aesthetic impacts is due. In addition, compensation of 173 biotope value points is required due to the full sealing of 72.7 m² of arable land. This will be managed through the eco-account "RVR Ruhr Grün."

Technical measures such as the use of warm white lighting (max. 3,000 K) and compliance with DIN standards for soil protection and the prevention of pollution show how carefully the planning is coordinated. Non-ionizing radiation and electromagnetic fields from the facility have been assessed as harmless to animals and plants.

Legal and Ecological Foundations: Permits and Reviews

The construction and renovation of infrastructure in sensitive environmental areas require a variety of legal and ecological assessments. Applications for the new weir and the mobile phone antenna were submitted under § 22 LWG and § 67 (1) BNatSchG. The exemptions are justified by the public interest in securing critical infrastructure.

A Species Protection Review (ASP) in accordance with the administrative directive on species protection (MKULNV 2016) and the methods manual (MULNV & FÖA 2021) was carried out. Construction work is carried out outside the breeding season (October 1 to February 28) to avoid disturbing wildlife.

Additional provisions and compensatory measures are integrated into the planning. This ensures that interventions in nature are cushioned by appropriate mitigation measures.

Outlook: Sustainability in Urban Development

The measures and decisions in March 2026 show that Bottrop is actively committed to sustainable urban development. The balance between infrastructure needs and nature conservation is difficult, but achievable. Through precise planning, legal clarification and ecological compensation, it is possible to ensure future security even in sensitive areas.

The experiences from these projects could provide valuable impulses for other districts or cities in the region. The integration of environmental and climate protection into urban development processes remains a central challenge – and at the same time an opportunity for sustainable policy.