Long-term liablities of coal mining

The closer the end of coal mining in 2018, the more the issue of groundwater re-emergence in the Ruhr area is also being considered. This is especially the case because currently the subject of restitution and liability issues in the area of contaminated sites of the peaceful use of nuclear energy is discussed. In addition, the companies concerned lost considerable value on the stock market. For this reason, the question of whether the financial provisions in the created foundation are sufficient to shoulder the expected responsibilities and measures also arises with regard to coal mining. The question is which measures are to be taken and where damages can occur. Additional impulses are given by the Meggen judgment of the BVerwG of 18.12.2014, which interpreted the responsibility of the mining companies very widely. In the Rhineland, an earthquake hit 2.4 on 22.12.2015 - probably due to a rise in groundwater around the closed opencast mine Bergheim. All these questions are included in the colloquium on economics and environmental law on 26 January 2016. This also includes experiences and problems from other federal states such as Brandenburg and Saxony.