Zwijndrecht: De Sterhoek landfill requests relaxation for discharge of short-chain PFAS

06/30/2024 | Fundamental right

Zwijndrecht: De Sterhoek landfill requests relaxation for discharge of short-chain PFAS

The landfill De Sterhoek, located in Kruibeke/Zwijndrecht and owned by the Flemish Waterway, has submitted an application for the relaxation of the discharge standards for short chain PFAS.

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The De Sterhoek landfill, a landfill of category 2, has been used for non-hazardous waste and dredged material until now. The Flemish Waterway, owner of the landfill, has made significant investments since 2023 to meet discharge standards. From the PANO report 'Flanders pollutes' however, it turned out that the landfill was releasing far too much Bisphenol A, uranium and other heavy metals into the environment.

There is currently a campaign running until June 30th public inquiry in which the landfill is requesting a relaxation of the discharge standards for short-chain PFAS. The application includes a discharge standard that is five times higher than the current standard for PFBA and 1.5 times the standard for three other short-chain PFAS. The accompanying study clearly shows that these short PFAS components are very difficult, if not impossible, to remove from the site's leachate. The study emphasizes that PFBA is a determining factor in the operation of the site's water treatment, which currently consists of a settling basin, a sand filter and five activated carbon filters.

The amount PFAS in the Scheldt water already exceeds the permitted limits. In the Netherlands, for example, the fishing prohibited in the Western Scheldt due to the high concentrations of PFAS in the water. The “PFAS bath” is clearly saturated, and more research is urgently needed into the toxicity of short-chain PFAS and methods to keep them out of the environment. A possible relaxation of the discharge standards by the Department of Environment would be contrary to the precautionary principle and the protection of people and the environment.

However, alternatives are available, such as collecting the percolate water for further treatment later, when the appropriate purification techniques are available. Continuing with the current operation without adequate measures would be a deliberate choice for further pollution.

The Flemish Waterway calls for a relaxation “pending more efficient purification techniques for short-chain PFAS”. However, the fact that the permit has no expiry date gives too much room to the company, with the regulatory authority relinquishing control and initiative. By introducing a temporary standard, the government could re-evaluate in the future which techniques are available and impose them, so that they are actually applied.