A soil investigation at the site of transport and logistics company Dilissen Logistics on Leo Baekelandlaan in Pelt has revealed soil contamination with PFAS and mineral oil. The Public Flemish Waste Company (OVAM) has declared the investigation compliant. A 500-meter safety zone is currently in effect around the site, with precautionary measures for residents.
The investigation indicates that the contamination does not originate from Dilissen Logistics' current operations but from former activities at the same location. There are indications of contamination with mineral oils and historical contamination with PFAS and trifluoroacetic acid (TFA).
Above the soil remediation standard, mineral oil was detected in the soil near the above-ground fuel storage. OVAM is requesting a follow-up descriptive soil investigation for this.
The PFAS and TFA contamination in the groundwater is linked to former galvanizing activities of a steel wire drawing company that operated between 1995 and 2012. OVAM acknowledges that the current owner is not responsible for this historical contamination and therefore grants an exemption from the investigation and remediation obligation for the PFAS and TFA contamination.
Within the 500-meter safety perimeter around the site, temporary 'no regret' measures have been implemented to limit exposure to harmful substances. Residents are advised to stop using well water, limit consumption of eggs from their own chickens, and thoroughly wash and alternate vegetables and fruits from their gardens with produce from the market. Approximately 210 affected property owners within the perimeter have received a letter with specific guidelines.
More information about the PFAS contamination on Leo Baekelandlaan and the associated measures can be found at www.gemeentepelt.be/pfas.
