Region Midtjylland removes DDT-contaminated soil in Roslev

Region Midtjylland has begun removing DDT-contaminated soil from common areas and 23 private gardens in Roslev. The cleanup involves excavating soil up to half a meter deep and replacing it with clean earth.

The contamination stems from a former fruit plantation that operated in the area from 1901 to 1991, where DDT was likely used as an insecticide during the 1950s and 1960s. While the DDT levels exceed permitted limits, authorities state there is no acute health hazard and no risk to the local groundwater, as the substance does not dissolve in water.

The region is covering the costs of the remediation and will replant the gardens according to the homeowners' wishes. This initiative is part of a broader regional strategy to investigate all residential properties with suspected contamination by 2030 and eliminate contact risks by 2035. The project is expected to cost approximately 10 million DKK.