Local soil pollution: the risks

Introduction

Decisions to clean up contaminated soil are based in parts on whether risks are involved. Risks for humans and the ecosystem and, in the second place, the risk of the spread of contamination are factors in the decision to start cleanup operations. The aim of cleanup operations is to establish sustainable soil quality, eliminating risks for humans and reducing risks for ecosystems to an acceptable level.

1. Risks for humans

People can be exposed to soil pollution by, for example, consuming products that have been contaminated via the soil, inhaling vapours released from the soil, and by ingesting particles of soil (this mainly applies to children). Exposure through these routes is estimated using a model and compared to the maximum acceptable concentration for humans. This results in the intervention values (general) or to soil-use values (for clusters of land use). If the intervention values are exceeded (severe contamination), checks take place to determine the level of urgency of the cleanup operation.

2. Risks for the ecosystem

Plants and animals that live in or on the soil, and soil processes (for example degradation and production processes), can be harmed by soil pollution. Where this is the case, the ecosystem is at risk. If this risk is too high, cleanup operations may be initiated, taking into account the amount of pollution and the type of ecological area. In practice, ecological risks usually play a role alongside the risks for humans (or as an indicator of these risks).

3. Risks of contamination spreading

If pollution can spread through the soil, it is better to start cleanup operations quickly, even if there are no direct risks for people or ecosystems. The reason is that the extent of the area requiring cleanup may be much larger in the future, leading to higher cleanup costs. Legal liability can also play a role when contamination spreads outside a location.

Relevant sections and indicators in the Environmental Data Compendium

• Soil quality and soil pollution: policy
• Soil contamination and soil cleanup: terms and definitions
• Soil quality: the current picture and the threats
• Guide to 'Soil quality' section
• Guide to 'Impact of environmental pressure on nature' section

Relevant information outside of the Environmental Data Compendium

• More information about soil pollution can be found on the site of the Ministry of Housing, Spatial Planning and the Environment,