PFAS contamination concerns rise in Belgium and the Netherlands

In Belgium, the political party Groen is calling on the city of Bruges to demand clarity regarding PFAS contamination at the Ryckevelde military domain. Four years after the pollution was identified, local officials are seeking the full extent of the contamination and a definitive remediation plan. Concerns have been raised that the groundwater and surface water zones affected may extend into Bruges territory.

In the Netherlands, Greenpeace has issued a warning regarding PFAS levels in the tap water of Haaksbergen, suggesting an ‘orange code’ for the municipality. While the water supplier Vitens supports the push for stricter European PFAS standards and a potential total ban, officials noted that current concentrations in Haaksbergen remain below existing legal limits. The discrepancy arises because Greenpeace bases its warnings on RIVM guidelines, which are significantly more stringent than current European legal standards.