The soil remediation project

The soil remediation project, drawn up by the soil remediation expert, establishes the manner in which the soil remediation works are to be carried out. In this process, consideration is given to the best available technical solutions that already have been successfully tested out in practice and whose price is not unreasonable in proportion to the achievable result in terms of protecting people and the environment (the BATNEEC principle).

Remediation of new contaminated soil is in the first place geared to the broadest realization of target values regarding soil quality. Depending on the actual pollution situation and characteristics that are specific to the site, it may in some well-defined instances not be possible to realize the target value by application of techniques that do not result in excessive costs. In these cases, soil remediation is oriented towards the realization of a better quality than has been defined by the soil remediation standards or, if this also is not possible, to the avoidance of the eventuality that the soil quality should constitute a risk or could or might constitute a risk for people and the environment. For historical contamination te aim of the remediation is to remove the risk for human and the environment.

For soil remediation projects, a special procedure based on input and advice has been established, taking into account the special nature of soil remediation projects and the fact that, in general, soil remediation projects are established in the public interest, and that their execution must not needlessly be delayed by an accumulation of administrative procedures.

In this respect, the involved owners and users are advised by the OVAM of the submission of a soil remediation project. They have the opportunity to check out the soil remediation project at the OVAM and at the municipal offices and are given the opportunity to raise objections and remarks. If the needed soil remediation works are subject to a permit, expert advice is also obtained from other competent administrations and local authorities.

On the basis of the assessment of the soil remediation project, the recommendations, objections and/or remarks and comments received, the OVAM will issue a conformance certificate or request additional information on the submitted soil remediation project. This conformance certificate serves as a permit for the planned execution of the soil remediation works.