A large-scale project, such as building a new power station, is subject to a wide-ranging, public approval process. This process comprehensively reviews and assesses the effects of the new plant with regard to all aspects of safety and involves as many interested parties as possible: At state and municipal level as well as the general public.

 

Present status: Land use planning process

 

The municipal authorities are responsible for implementing the override requirements of the state's urban development planning process. This is currently underway in the land use planning process of Wilhelmshaven town council, which has issued the 68th amendment to the area usage plan of 1973 and the urban development plan 220.

 

Environmental appraisals confirming the principal aspects of feasibility need to be made before these plans can be prepared. These environmental appraisals are based on quite conservative assumptions intended to ensure that current projects always fit within this framework. A legal development plan, however, is not an approval. The Federal Emission Protection Act requires plans to be approved retrospectively.