Contaminated soil management

Almadius offers its expertise in the management of contaminated soil and groundwater. We carry out pollution and risk management studies and provide concrete remediation solutions for contaminated soil. We also conduct environmental and due diligence audits in the context of site purchases and sales.

Our subsidiary Hydreau is accredited in the Walloon Region and Brussels-Capital Region.

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Decontaminate your soil with Almadius

Do you want to obtain planning permission for a contaminated site or renew/terminate an environmental permit for activities involving soil risk? Are you selling your land with a change of activity? Do you have a real estate project? Has your plot of land suffered an environmental accident? In this case, you must carry out a study to manage your soil and determine whether it is contaminated.

This process allows you to verify whether your soil complies with the imposed pollution thresholds and whether this pollution poses a risk to human health and the environment. Depending on the use of the land, remediation solutions will need to be put in place.

Our expertise in contaminated soil

Almadius takes care of the assessment and management of your contaminated soil. We also support you in complying with new regulations such as Good Soil in Brussels, IQSW (Walloon Soil Quality Index) or new issues (PFAS, nanosubstances, etc.).

Soil testing and sampling

This initial study determines whether the soil on your property is contaminated. To do this, we first conduct a historical study of the site and determine whether certain activities on the property could have contaminated the soil. We also carry out environmental audits or Due Diligence and Phase I Environmental Site Assessments, designed to non-intrusively assess the potential impact of industrial activities on the soil in the event of a sale or purchase, or to estimate environmental liabilities.

We then drill boreholes and analyse the samples in the laboratory. This enables us to identify any contaminants that may be present and assess whether their concentration exceeds regulatory standards. We take samples of soil, groundwater, surface water, soil air and ambient air in accordance with best practice guidelines and applications.

Risk assessment

If pollution standards are exceeded, we proceed to a risk assessment or study. This step involves determining whether soil pollution poses a risk to human health, groundwater, the environment, the neighbourhood or future activities on site.

Designing the remediation project

If a risk is confirmed, we draw up a remediation project aimed at decontaminating the soil. Our engineering office designs and optimises these techniques based on available studies or feasibility tests. We thus determine the best possible remediation techniques to treat the pollution present.

Site supervision, monitoring of sanitation works and final assessment

We supervise construction sites and monitor work. We supervise sanitation work and ensure that it complies with plans and specifications. We monitor progress and, if necessary, make adjustments to the initial project. At the end of the work, we verify that the techniques implemented are fulfilling their objectives.

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Preliminary studies, MGI and Promaz

We also carry out preliminary studies in the context of purchase-sale or other private contractual relationships, as well as research reports with a view to obtaining Promaz aid funds.

We monitor and assist you in the management and reporting of Immediate Management Measures in the event of accidental discovery of pollution.

Baseline reports

A baseline report (along with a technical file) describing the condition of the soil and groundwater must be prepared before a new IED/IPPC facility is commissioned or before the first update of the permit for an existing IED/IPPC facility.

The baseline report is used as a reference for comparison with the results of periodic monitoring of soil and groundwater, as required by the environmental permit, and when the IED/IPPC activity ceases.

Assistance to Project Owners

Those involved in contaminated sites and soils are often overwhelmed by the complexity of regulations, understanding the issues at stake, and investigation and remediation techniques. However, the stakes are high in terms of both liability and financial implications.

Almadius helps you manage your projects by optimising budgets and schedules, choosing effective short- and long-term strategies, and managing interactions with other phases of your construction projects, design offices, government agencies, and industrial partners on your behalf.

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Why trust Almadius for your contaminated soil?

Pragmatic vision

In addition to soil testing, we also offer our assistance as project managers. We provide concrete solutions tailored to your needs and specific situation.

Multidisciplinary engineering firm

Our team is made up of experts specialising in various fields such as soil, water, construction and sustainability. This diversity of skills enables us to offer effective techniques for a range of issues by working together on the various aspects of a project (soil pollution, groundwater lowering, stability, geotechnics, geothermal energy) rather than in isolation, which often results in efficiency gains and allows us to optimise all aspects of a project.

Tailor-made approach

We adapt to each situation and are able to offer solutions tailored to our clients’ specific needs. Our extensive experience in the field enables us to take on all types of projects in Belgium and abroad.

They put their trust in Almadius

FAQ: Contaminated soil assessment and management

Am I eligible for subsidies for contaminated soil testing?

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Yes. In Brussels, you can receive subsidies for soil testing and contaminated soil management work. These financial incentives are designed to encourage property owners to carry out the necessary soil testing and remediation work. Federal funds such as the Promaz fund for private septic tanks are also available.

What types of contaminants can be found in soil?

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There are many contaminants that can pollute soil, such as heavy metals, hydrocarbons, pesticides, solvents, industrial chemicals, or emerging products such as PFAS or nanopollutants, etc. A thorough soil analysis will determine the types of pollutants present and the appropriate remediation techniques.

When is soil considered polluted?

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The type of contaminant, its concentration and the use of the land are used to determine whether soil is polluted. In Belgium, depending on the region, pollution levels are set according to the contaminant and the use of the land. If this level is exceeded, the land is considered polluted.

Would you like to conduct a soil survey with Almadius?

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