Soil Contamination Discovered Near Buitenpost Railway Crossing
Buitenpost, Fryslân – Groundwater near the railway crossing at Egypt in Buitenpost has been found to contain soil contamination, prompting a thorough investigation by provincial authorities. The discovery, based on annual groundwater measurements, revealed an increase in contamination levels since 2022.
The Discovery and Initial Response
The province of Fryslân, in consultation with the FUMO (Environmental Service) and the municipality of Achtkarspelen, has ordered a comprehensive investigation to determine the extent and source of the contamination.Regular monitoring of groundwater quality is a standard practice, but the recent spike in pollutants triggered immediate concern.
According to officials, Based on the current information, no direct danger to public health is to be expected, especially as there is no extraction for drinking water or industry in the vicinity.
Though, the investigation aims to provide a clearer picture of potential risks.
Substances identified
The groundwater analysis revealed the presence of two primary substances:
- 2.6-dichloorbenzamide (BAM): A remnant product of a crop protection agent.
- Bromacil: Another crop protection agent.
Both substances are no longer approved for use, leading to expectations of declining concentrations over time. The unexpected increase prompted the need for a past study to trace the contamination’s origin.
The Investigation: A Detailed Look
The investigation,slated to begin in spring/summer 2025,will involve both fieldwork and desk research. Key components include:
- Fieldwork: Installation of monitoring wells for sample collection.
- Office Study: Analysis of historical data and potential sources.
The fieldwork, which includes placing monitoring wells, will take several days. Samples will be collected periodically to assess the contamination levels. Authorities anticipate having a clearer understanding of the situation by autumn 2025.
Collaborative Effort
The province of Fryslân, FUMO, and the municipality of Achtkarspelen are collaborating closely on this investigation. Their joint efforts aim to:
- Determine the size and origin of the contamination.
- Implement appropriate follow-up actions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Official Statement
Based on the current information, no direct danger to public health is to be expected, especially since there is no extraction for drinking water or industry in the vicinity. When the planned research has been carried out, more can be said about the cause, distribution and any health risks.
Province of Fryslân
