Removing soil contamination
What is it?
If you own a piece of land and soil testing shows that the soil is contaminated, you must have it cleaned up. Only officially approved companies are allowed to remove soil contamination.
How does it work?
You have a so-called duty of care. This means that you must prevent soil contamination and remove any contamination as quickly and completely as possible. You can see the soil status in your street on the map at the Soil Information Center.
Liability
You may also be liable for soil contamination caused by someone else. The original polluter is liable. A period of 30 years applies in this case. After 30 years, you are liable for removing the soil contamination. This also applies if the original polluter can no longer be traced.
What should I do?
- If you discover that your land is contaminated, you must report this to the municipality or province.
- Contaminated soil must be cleaned by a certified company. Ask your local municipality which companies you can hire for this.
Conducting soil research
- When purchasing a house or a plot of land, it is important to inquire with the municipality in advance about any soil contamination.
- Ask your real estate agent or appraiser for advice on whether additional soil testing is necessary. Also ask whether an oil tank has ever been installed in the ground. Most contamination in private land is caused by an oil tank in the garden.
- If you are planning to build or renovate, you must have a soil investigation carried out. You will need this investigation when applying for an environmental permit to build or renovate.
What do I need?
- the results of the soil investigation
- a plan for how to have the soil contamination removed