Rhine-Main-Link

In what form (ecopoints, credit, replacement tree planting) will the number of felled trees be compensated? How will the replacement trees be planted?

The type of compensation is being coordinated with the Lower Nature Conservation Authority and is still being clarified.

Are habitat trees excluded from the felling?

In principle, this is planned. If this is not possible, appropriate compensatory measures will be taken in consultation with the Lower Nature Conservation Authority.

Is soil damage to be expected as a result of the construction site facilities and the construction of the access roads?

If possible, the existing road network will initially be used for the construction site facilities, so-called BE areas, and the necessary access roads. In addition, construction roads and access areas will be created in consultation with the owners and under the supervision of the pedological construction supervision team to protect the soil as much as possible. The construction areas are designed in such a way that the loads are well distributed. Gravel layers or load distribution plates are suitable here. The load distribution plates are removed again just as carefully, and the gravel layers are usually also removed again, unless a different agreement is reached in consultation with the owners.

How is the ground restored after the construction site has been cleared?

The removal of the BE areas is monitored. Any damage caused to the land will be regulated accordingly in consultation with the affected parties and replaced economically.

Is excessive noise to be expected? - What immission values are you assuming?

The drilling equipment is powered by an internal combustion engine (comparable to a truck), which is a source of noise. This can therefore lead to corresponding emissions.

To what extent are the concerns of ASF (African Swine Fever) taken into account?

There is a concept of measures for this.

Is the breeding and setting season observed?

Yes, this will be observed. In addition, the drilling will be monitored by an ecological construction supervisor. Drilling during the breeding and settling season will only take place where, after several preliminary inspections by the ecological construction monitoring team, any impact on the affected species can be ruled out.

Will there be a public information event on the planned measures?

We currently have no plans for this, especially with regard to the subsoil investigations. We are in constant communication with the district town of Hofheim am Taunus and the Main-Taunus district about the measures and consider this to be sufficient, especially as the press has already reported on the project several times for the general public.

Where will drilling take place?

Along the route to be investigated in accordance with the published route corridor. There is a specific grid that we have to adhere to.

When is drilling carried out?

Drilling generally takes place all year round. In forested areas, however, we only drill between October 1 and the end of March.

What is the difference between the test drillings and the actual work?

The test drillings and ground investigations are necessary in order to be able to technically assess whether and with which construction method we can bring the underground cables into the ground.

What equipment will be used?

Drilling equipment weighing 20 to 30 tons is used, and we also have to use "service vehicles" (usually wheel loaders, trucks, dumpers).

How many trees are felled?

We want to avoid felling trees. Should it be necessary to fell trees, this will be agreed with the forestry department. However, we cannot give a number of trees as it is an ongoing process in which the number can change regularly.

Who is working on the boreholes?

On the construction site: the drilling team (drilling rig operator with one or two drilling assistants), subcontractors for borehole tests and drilling supervision.

What restrictions are there for recreationists? How long will they remain in place?

Depending on the location and technical requirements of the borehole, barriers, road closures and constrictions may be necessary for the duration of the BGU measures. This can lead to restrictions. Noise emissions may also occur (see above).

Amprion GmbH has now announced the converter locations in and near the Hofheim urban area. The press reported on Friday, October 31, 2025, that one converter will be located on an area beyond the federal highway 66 in the direction of Weilbach. Another converter will be located near the Kriftel substation just before the Hofheim city limits, but is located in the Kelkheim district.

"The Hofheim municipal council is not yet officially aware of the locations and has been following today's press reports with interest," says Hofheim's mayor Wilhelm Schultze. "We are positive about the locations and are pleased that our interventions were successful. The most negative sites for us in Langenhain and Diedenbergen appear to be off the table, subject to the decision of the Federal Network Agency."

First City Councillor Daniel Philipp commented on the locations: "Before the application conference, we formulated four demands, all of which we now believe have been met with the information provided. We are particularly pleased that the underground cable route will protect the natural areas on the Kapellenberg and the Bauerlöcher Wiesen." This is a major success for the commitment of the Hofheim municipal council and the citizens of Hofheim, who have used every opportunity during the process to make their voices heard. "We are now waiting for the official information from Amprion GmbH to the municipal council, which we will then make available to the municipal committees without delay."

Review:

On Wednesday, September 4, 2024, the Federal Network Agency had invited the public application conference for the "Rhine-Main Link" project to Königstein. After the company Amprion had submitted application documents to the Federal Network Agency at the end of June, the aim was to discuss tips and information on regional circumstances. A delegation from the district town of Hofheim am Taunus also took part and put forward the town's concerns. Hofheim vehemently rejected the converter sites in the urban area envisaged by Amprion in the application documents. From Hofheim's point of view, there was an alternative location at the Wiesbadener Kreuz with a connection to the Marxheim substation. The impact on the surrounding area and nature would be significantly less there. Amprion GmbH has now complied with this request with a slight change.

The district town has been in a constructive exchange with Amprion GmbH since the conference, but was by no means satisfied with the communicated planning. The city therefore submitted a four-point catalog of demands, which will now be fully implemented in Amprion GmbH's planning if the Federal Network Agency approves it:

1. The proposed converter sites will not be implemented.

2. The alternative location at Wiesbadener Kreuz will be used.

3. The underground cable between Langenhain and Kriftel and beyond the Bauerlöcher Wiesen will be laid using a closed construction method.

4. Natural areas worthy of protection, such as the Bauerlöcher Wiesen, will remain untouched.

The district town held an information event for citizens in the Hofheim town hall on Tuesday, September 17, 2024. In addition to a presentation of the project, the further procedure, including a legal assessment by the commissioned law firm, was discussed. Citizens had the opportunity to ask questions and get involved.