New = a oeuvre

The nine foundations of fundamental rights

Grondrecht is a collective of concerned citizens who have united in response to the PFAS pollution in Zwijndrecht and Antwerp. The collective is built around nine fundamental principles:

I. Measuring = (k)nowing

Fundamental law requires the government to consistently measure PFAS levels in soil, groundwater, crops, animals and humans to prevent PFAS from entering the food chain. These measurements should primarily be performed near PFAS hotspots. 

Fundamental law requires that the government always uses the most up-to-date standards for testing PFAS values.

II. Inform

Fundamental law requires that the government has clear guidelines in areas that are polluted with PFAS. Until there is more certainty about the extent of the pollution and poisoning, 'Better safe than sorry' to be the motto.

III. Preventive health policy

Fundamental right demands that the government draws up health policy that takes into account the risks of PFAS poisoning. If necessary, preventive screening for health problems linked to PFAS poisoning, such as increased cholesterol, immune problems and cancers, must be introduced.

IV. Oosterweel and other public works

Grondrecht requires that, for every project in which PFAS-contaminated soil is processed, the risks to the environment are limited as much as possible. For major infrastructure works such as those in the context of the Oosterweel connection, there must be scientifically based guarantees that there are no risks to local residents.

Fundamental law requires that the most up-to-date standards be used to assess such risks.

V. Containment and remediation

Fundamental law requires that the spread of PFAS-contaminated soils be actively limited, and that work is done on the remediation of soil and groundwater. Contaminated areas near residential areas must be treated as a priority.

VI. The polluter pays

Grondrecht advocates for restriction and clean-up at the polluter's expense. It demands that the government plays a leading role in recovering those costs from the polluter.

In addition, Grondrecht unites citizens who suffer or have suffered damage due to PFAS pollution and supports them in claiming compensation. Special attention is paid to residents who are at risk to health, private owners of polluted land, employees and farmers.

VII. The bottom stone above

Grondrecht demands that an independent investigation be carried out into the errors made in reporting the PFAS pollution in Zwijndrecht. To this end, it closely follows the activities of the parliamentary inquiry committee and provides input to its members.

VIII. Control

Grondrecht advocates stricter control of industrial discharges of PFAS and other substances that pose a risk to the environment. To this end, Grondrecht demands that government services that are not functioning properly are independently examined.

IX. Precautionary principle

Grondrecht believes in an environmental policy that only allows the discharge of waste if it has been demonstrated with sufficient certainty that these substances have no adverse effects on the environment.