BOFAS npo - Fund for soil remediation around petrol stations

The federal government, the Flemish, Walloon and the Brussels Capital Regions concluded a cooperation agreement regarding the execution and financing of soil remediation of petrol stations.

The adoption of this cooperation agreement allows for the formation of an inter-regional soil remediation committee (IBC) and for the recognition of a fund for the soil remediation of petrol stations in Belgium.

On 26 January 2004, the IBC was formally established. The IBC is composed of 2 representatives from each region and Flanders is represented by members of the OVAM.

Amongst its other duties, the IBC is responsible for the recognition of the fund and for monitoring compliance with the provisions of the cooperation agreement.

On 3 March 2004, the IBC recognised a fund named BOFAS npo. This decision was published in the Official Belgian Book of Statutes on 26 March 2004.

On the closure of a petrol station, BOFAS npo will undertake the execution and total financing of the soil remediation. Petrol stations that are continuing their operations shall receive advice from the fund, which will ensure the administrative follow-up and inspections and (partially) refund the costs of the soil remediation work. The effective intervention is in this instance limited to 62.000 EUR per petrol station. In this process, a distinction needs to be made between the cost of remediation of the solid section of the soil and that of the ground water. For those parties who, in the meantime, have made an effort to remedy the problem , the cooperation agreement may provide possible financial aid.

The OVAM works in various areas and in close consultation with BOFAS npo in order to process and complete work on the 3000 case files (estimate for Flanders) in a smooth and efficient manner in keeping with the provisions of the cooperation agreement and the soil remediation decree.

The website of BOFAS npo (www.bofas.be) states the terms of the cooperation agreement on the implementation and financing of the soil remediation of petrol stations. It also provides further information on the operation of BOFAS npo.