Encapsulation Still a Useful Solution? A Case Study

Abstract

Serious soil contamination covering an area of about 1.5 hectares was found on the site of a former pesticide plant in an industrial area of Antwerp (Belgium). The contamination consisted of a variety of pesticides, heavy metals and oil products and was the result of several spills, incorrect handling of chemicals and accidents. The plant was closed down in 1992, after an accident involving a fire. Neither the owners of the plant nor the authorities undertook or required any remedial action prior to the sale of the site. Unaware of the severity of the pollution of soil and groundwater, the present owner started building a warehouse. The pollution of the site was ‘accidentally’ rediscovered and construction work was halted by the authorities, who also requested a detailed study of the pollution and invited proposals for remedial action. In recent years, stricter environmental regulations have been implemented and bodies have been established to enforce them. In this a legal framework has been established which allows the authorities to take action on soil pollution. Although the present owner is not responsible for the pollution, the authorities can in fact force him (as owner) to carry out a detailed soil study and implement remedial action.