A turmoil in Molln

“Searching for gas has taken away my livelihood”

Intensive drilling for gas is currently taking place in Molln - in the middle of a nature reserve, opponents criticize. In the meantime, numerous complaints have been filed.(Bild: Wolfgang Spitzbart)

The situation on the edge of the Kalkalpen National Park near Molln (Upper Austria) is stressful for local residents. A gas deposit is suspected there and test drilling has been going on for weeks. Critics are worried about nature. In addition to complaints, there has already been a veritable flood of reports.

"You feel like you're living next to a highway. The trucks drive around the clock," says Reinhard Kofler. The 39-year-old Tyrolean is a sculptor and moved to Molln with his partner a few years ago. "I need peace and quiet for my work," he says. But that's all over now, because Kofler lives near the site where the Austrian subsidiary of the Australian energy company ADX is currently searching for gas. A disaster for Kofler: "My livelihood has been taken away, you can't work with the noise."

However, the test drilling, which must be completed by March 31, also has other consequences. Opponents of the project fear massive negative consequences for the sensitive ecological area.

(Bild: Dostal Harald)

In three cases, complaints have been made to the nature conservation authority
 This is because the conditions in the authorities' decision are not being adhered to. In three cases, complaints have been made to the nature conservation authority. The approved drilling site size had been exceeded and the vehicles and equipment had not been properly cleaned before each new entry into the valley. This would have encouraged the introduction of alien plants. According to ADX , however, the contracted company is responsible for this and the company denies any "deliberate violation of the conditions".

There is also a court hearing because of the drilling. A security guard is accused of coercion and attempted embezzlement of evidence: He is said to have hit a man and taken his cell phone.