During site expansions, WACKER investigates the effects on nature and biodiversity and, in consultation with the authorities, takes compensatory measures. An example is the 2007/2008 polysilicon production expansion phase in Burghausen. Through afforestation, we are fully compensating for the wooded area that was used. Supplementary payments to the Bavarian state forestry department help improve the region’s forest structure. Furthermore, in a wooded part of Burghausen, certain trees were identified as habitats for bats and woodpeckers and have been placed under protection.
The Burghausen site’s premises border a European Natura 2000 nature reserve area along the Salzach river. To check whether the operation of our facilities has any effects on this reserve, we commissioned an external expert and monitored the immissions with a voluntary immissions registry. All results to date have shown that the WACKER site does not adversely affect the reserve.
A group of employees at our Adrian site (Michigan, USA) has set up nesting boxes for various species of bird and maintains a nature trail. The site premises also host wildflower and butterfly gardens. For its dedication, the WACKER team was once again awarded the Wildlife at Work certificate by the US Wildlife Habitat Council in 2008.