3M soil remediation project for zone 1b and 2 rejected by OVAM

31.07.2024 | Fundamental right

3M soil remediation project for zone 1b and 2 rejected by OVAM

Grondrecht and Climaxi, together with local residents, have filed objections to the proposed remediation approach of 3M in the most heavily polluted areas of Zwijndrecht. The OVAM and the Department of Care have acknowledged some of these objections and last Friday rejected the soil remediation project (BSP) of 3M

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3M’s BSP must include a detailed plan on how the company will address the contaminated gardens in the most affected areas. In 2022, an initial BSP was approved for the immediate vicinity of the 3M plant. However, the current BSP concerns the wider area around the plant.

According to OVAM and the Department of Health, the 3M report falls short in fully identifying and evaluating all potential risks to humans and the environment. For example, 3M only wants to excavate vegetable gardens and chicken coops, while complete excavations take place on playgrounds. The Department of Health points out that this approach is not consistent, because children are present in both gardens and playgrounds.

In addition, the proposed methods are considered insufficient for reliable and continuous monitoring of PFAS concentrations in soil and groundwater. The report lacks crucial data on the spread of contamination and the impact of remediation measures, which means that a complete overview of the situation is lacking. OVAM also criticizes the vagueness of the remediation strategy, and there is uncertainty about the effectiveness, duration and costs of the proposed measures.

Toon Penen of Grondrecht vzw emphasizes the need for more in-depth research by 3M: “3M’s current proposals are inadequate and pose a threat to the health and environment of our affected community. We need more detailed and reliable analyses that map out all risks. It is crucial that 3M develops a more transparent and complete plan that addresses the true extent of the PFAS contamination.”

Katrin Van den Troost of vzw Climaxi added: "We cannot afford half-hearted measures. We believe that the 3,000 affected families should have more say in how their gardens are cleaned up. So far, we have only had some communication from 3M and a few information meetings. This is far too little to involve everyone. The municipality of Zwijndrecht plays an important role in maintaining support for the clean-up."

Grondrecht and Climaxi are pleased that OVAM and the Department of Care are taking their task seriously and are critically assessing the soil remediation project with an eye for the affected families. The ball is now in 3M's court to convert the findings of the government agencies into concrete plans in a transparent manner. They have until October 15 to do this. In addition, the organizations call on the municipality to communicate more clearly with the residents.n and other substances that break down into TFA. Grondrecht calls for a ban on these chemicals to protect our water and our health.