The national German ordinance on facilities for handling substances that are hazardous to water (AwSV) came into force in August 2017, creating new responsibilities for many plant operators. This posed challenges in the implementation of new regulations. For a chemical production site like the Badische Anilin- und Sodafabrik (BASF) plant in Ludwigshafen, compliance is critical, not only for its survival, but also for the environment’s long-term protection.
Arcadis is one of the partner companies supporting the BASF Sealing Surfaces Taskforce, founded in 2015, conducting sealing surface inspections, documenting damage, and drafting relevant restoration plans. The BASF plant’s size and complexity at Ludwigshafen required a systematic, efficient, and digitalized approach to the recording, documentation, and analysis of the affected areas’ condition and corresponding restoration work.
Arcadis conducted sealing surface analysis using datasets reflecting each area’s target status, construction plans, wastewater protection concepts, operating instructions, and media information. After status investigation, all damage (surface cracks, damaged coatings, fixing components in the concrete, and expansion joints) was closely documented. Their evaluation was then compiled in accordance with TRwS 786, the technical rule for substances that are hazardous to water.
All information was digitalized and a damage log and restoration concept—with product suggestions, estimated quantities, and costs for restoration work—were generated. Our services enabled BASF to hand over responsibility for sealing surfaces to the Taskforce and Arcadis with complete confidence.
Through our role in the BASF Sealing Surfaces Taskforce, Arcadis made a significant contribution to ensuring that one of the world's largest chemical production sites was operating in full compliance with the law without harming the environment. The generated database supports the long-term monitoring of the sealing surfaces, so all maintenance and repair work can be managed with maximum efficiency.
How compliance programs improve operational resilience
Strong compliance programs do more than help organizations meet regulatory requirements. They also create the structures, processes, and oversight needed to reduce risk, improve decision-making, and maintain reliable operations. By embedding environmental compliance into day-to-day activities, organizations can strengthen resilience and better respond to changing regulatory and operational conditions.
Thanks to the intelligent and fully digitalized management of its sealing surfaces, our customer was able to check off three objectives at once: environmental protection, legal compliance and economic efficiency.
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