Rijnsburg water inspections reveal potential nitrate pollution

Authorities from the Hoogheemraadschap van Rijnland and Omgevingsdienst West Holland (ODWH) conducted inspections of ditches near the greenhouse horticulture area in Rijnsburg to investigate potential leaks or discharges. Using nitrate meters, officials identified elevated nitrate levels in several locations, which may indicate contaminated water flowing from greenhouses into the ditches. Such water can contain traces of crop protection products, including fluopyram, boscalid, and cyprodinil.

During the inspections, officials also discovered three instances where leaking waste containers containing used crops were discharging leachate into the soil or ditches. These findings are part of a broader effort to ensure surface water meets European Water Framework Directive standards. The authorities plan to conduct follow-up company visits to address these residual emissions and mitigate pollution.