Access to official information is regulated by law in the Freedom of Information Act and Environmental Information Act of the Federal Government and the federal states. These also specify the deadlines within which a request for access to information must be processed. The disclosure of information is an administrative act that is subject to further provisions. It may therefore happen that no legally binding decision on access to information is made within the specified time limits. This applies in particular if third parties are affected, if they must be heard and if they lodge an appeal.
Please note that access to information may incur costs. This is provided for in the relevant laws. Simple information, on-site inspection and the rejection of an application are free of charge. Fees and expenses must be charged for other types of access. However, the fees may not exceed 500 €. In special cases, fees and expenses may be waived in whole or in part. If you expect to incur costs, you will be informed in advance.
Enquiries should be addressed to:
Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR)
Stilleweg 2
30655 Hanover
Germany
Central office for electronic mail: E-Mail poststelle@bgr.de