Hessian Agency for Nature Conservation, Environment and Geology - Tasks and Targets
The Hessian Agency for Nature Conservation, Environment and Geology (HLNUG) was founded in the year 2000 through the fusion of the Hessian Agency for Soil Research (state geological service) and the Hessian Agency for Environment. The agency is located in Wiesbaden and has branches in Kassel and Darmstadt. Furthermore, it maintains two drill core storages in Limbach and Villmar-Aumenau as well as the collection point for low level radioactive waste in Ebsdorfergrund.
The fusion of both predecessor organizations concentrated the professional expertise for the three environmental media water, soil and air under one roof. Since its foundation, the agency had not only to integrate two independent organizations but also to deal with several structural changes and considerable personal reductions. Today, the HLNUG employs around 350 people. In comparison to the year of foundation, this means 25% less staff, although the main tasks didn't change since then. Despite these partly distressing changes, the Hessian Agency for Nature Conservation, Environment and Geology is acknowledged as reliable and competent partner, also beyond Hesse, thanks to its highly qualified and motivated staff.
As a technical and scientific authority within the Hessian environmental administration, the HLNUG is in charge of environmental monitoring. It advises ministries and other authorities in a scientific, specialized and practical orientated manner. Therefore, it cooperates with several universities. Regarding environmental questions, it serves as contact for companies and public. Because a closer description of the varied tasks of the agency would go beyond the scope of this article, we will focus on the main categories of tasks.
Text published in Water AND Waste 2012
Springer Vieweg Verlag Wiesbaden