Deep drilling in Henri-Chapelle

In order to obtain more information about the deeper soil layers and vibration sensitivity for the Einstein Telescope, deep drilling will soon start in Henri-Chapelle in the Walloon municipality of Welkenraedt. The location is in the outskirts of Hockelbach.

This drilling is the final part of the drilling campaign carried out last year at 11 locations. A second drilling campaign is currently being prepared, with the locations and schedule to be announced in a few weeks.

Measure vibrations

In Henri-Chapelle, the drilling will reach a depth of 450 metres. A fibre optic cable will be installed in the borehole to measure vibrations from the surrounding area. The Einstein Telescope can only function properly when there are as few vibrations as possible from traffic and industry, among other things.

Start drilling in early May

At the end of April, the Swiss drilling company Stump will install the site. Drilling will start in early May. If everything goes according to plan, the installation of the site, the drilling itself and the subsequent clean-up will take 10 to 12 weeks.

Agreements made with owners and municipality

Agreements have been made with the owner of the site and the municipality of Welkenraedt regarding permission and licensing aspects. No special (traffic) measures are required. Special equipment will be used to capture and neutralise any nitrogen released