12.02.2025 | Fundamental right
The impact of 'eternal chemicals' continues to increase in Zeeland and Flanders
Buffalo carcasses in Saeftinghe: The visible consequences of PFAS contamination
During a winter walk at the end 2024 in the nature reserve Drowned Land of Saeftinghe discovered Leo Broeckaart and his wife a gruesome scene: six male water buffalos lay dead in their own blood. These animals were part of a herd that plays an important role in the conservation of this Natura 2000 area.
However, the buffalo could no longer graze in the area. Due to the presence of PFAS In the area, the animals were blocked by the authorities and their meat was not allowed to enter the food chain. Roeland Vermeulen from nature organization Free Nature stated that the male animals had to be euthanized to prevent further breeding, as movement or slaughter was prohibited due to the risk of PFAS contamination of other meat.
How did PFAS end up in Saeftinghe?
The pollution can largely be traced back to the production of PFAS at the chemical company 3M in the port of Antwerp, about 10 kilometers further. Via the water of the Western Scheldt are these persistent harmful substances ended up in the plants and animals of the area.
PFAS – often described as 'eternal chemicals' because of their almost unbreakable structure – have serious consequences for both nature and the health of humans and animals.
Livestock farms around Saeftinghe blocked by PFAS
It is not only nature that suffers from pollution. Five livestock farms in the area have been shut down for months after soil surveys in the Prosperpolder and surrounding areas high concentrations of PFAS were found in the blood of livestock, such as cows, sheep and buffalo.
According to the Belgian Food Safety Agency (FASFC) the measured PFAS levels exceeded the permitted standards by a factor of four. As a result, three Belgian and several Dutch companies were blocked. Their animals may only be slaughtered if the meat meets the PFAS safety standards after inspection.
Reactions from affected farmers: “Our income has disappeared”
Harry the Kite, a Dutch sheep farmer who has been grazing his animals in the Verdronken Land for twenty years, describes the situation as a "nightmare"He cannot sell his sheep for slaughter or breeding; the only option is destruction via a rendering company Rendac.
💬 “I no longer have any income, but my costs continue to increase,“ according to De Vlieger.
The affected farmers have refrained from making public statements for the time being as they are in discussions with food agencies and may consider legal action against 3M.
Demand for a PFAS support fund is growing
The Farmers' Union uses this crisis to make their call for a support fund to add force. According to spokeswoman Tessa De Prins the livestock farmers around Saeftinghe are not the only ones suffering from PFAS pollution. Also in the province Antwerp and round Zwijndrecht dozens of farmers are struggling with contaminated agricultural land.
The recently closed federal and Flemish government agreement provides for the establishment of a PFAS fund, which will be financed by the industry to compensate for the damage suffered.
Legal action in preparation against 3M
It Zeeland Landscape, owner of the Verdronken Land, has joined a lawsuit brought by the Dutch government is being prepared against 3M. Director Rob van Westrienen expressed his frustration about the situation:
💬 “It is tragic what we have done to our nature. We have let it get to the point where even in protected nature reserves grazing cattle is no longer possible.“
Van Westrienen emphasizes that the revenue model of their nature management has disappeared, as animals that cannot be slaughtered only cause costs.
PFAS pollution: A global problem with no simple solution
The problems in Saeftinghe and Flanders are just the tip of the iceberg. Ecosystems worldwide are being affected by carbon-fluorine bonds, which are almost impossible to break down. Even the polar caps are not immune to this pollution.
The cost of cleaning up PFAS is astronomical. In Europe alone, it is estimated that a full remediation would cost more than 100 billion euros would cost. Still remain industries and lobby groups oppose stricter regulations, arguing that banning PFAS would industrial growth and the transition to a green economy would hinder.
Call for a total ban on PFAS
Despite the high costs and technical challenges, a ban on PFAS seems the only viable solution to limit further environmental damage and health risks. Industry argues that not all PFAS are equally harmful, but scientists warn that the health risks and environmental damage will ultimately be much more expensive than developing alternatives.
Even with a future ban, the taxpayer ultimately bear the costs of pollution, as companies may not be able to bear full financial responsibility.typical characteristics of Flanders.
Source:
https://www.standaard.be/cnt/dmf20250210_97793084?utm_recirculatie=lees-ook
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