PFAS contamination in Belgium and the Netherlands

Concerns regarding PFAS contamination have emerged in Belgium and the Netherlands. In Belgium, political groups have called for clarity regarding pollution at the Ryckevelde military domain, with officials investigating the extent of groundwater and surface water contamination. In the Netherlands, Greenpeace issued a warning about PFAS levels in Haaksbergen tap water, suggesting an ‘orange code’ based on RIVM guidelines, despite concentrations remaining within current European legal limits.

Further contamination has been identified at the Dilissen Logistics site on Leo Baekelandlaan in Belgium. An exploratory study confirmed the presence of PFAS, TFA (trifluoroacetic acid), and mineral oils in the soil and groundwater. The PFAS and TFA levels are linked to historical galvanizing activities performed by a wire drawing mill between 1995 and 2012.

As a result, the Public Waste Agency of Flanders (OVAM) has established a 500-meter safety zone affecting approximately 210 property owners. Precautionary ‘no regret’ measures have been recommended, including avoiding well water, limiting the consumption of eggs from home-raised chickens, and thoroughly washing homegrown produce.