After an investigation into possible PFAS poisoning, local residents of the fire station on Meengracht in Zottegem were given restrictions on the use of groundwater.
“The Public Waste Agency of Flanders (OVAM) conducted an exploratory soil investigation into the presence of PFAS in Zottegem. The measurements were taken on and around the grounds of the fire station in the Meengracht”, explains ships of the Environment Leen Goossens (CD&V)† “Based on the measurements, there are no problems with soil use, but additional measures are in force for the use of groundwater. All concerned residents were informed by letter. More information can be found via Zottegem.be/pfas.”
“PFAS is a collective name for more than 6000 chemical substances. Its use has been restricted since 2006. In the past, it was often used in industrial applications such as the non-stick coating in pans, cleaning products and fire fighting foam. The Public Waste Agency of Flanders conducted an exploratory study into the presence of PFAS in and around the fire station in the Meengracht. The results according to land use are reassuring, as a result of which the no-regret measures for land use are no longer in force. So people can eat home-grown vegetables and the eggs of their chickens are also safe to consume.”
“All homes in one perimeter of 500 meters around the site of the fire station must respect some important measures: do not drink groundwater from groundwater wells and do not use groundwater to make tea, coffee or ice cubes or to cook with it. Do not use the groundwater to humidify your vegetable garden or to fill swimming pool(s). Only use the groundwater for other things such as washing your car, flushing the toilet, cleaning the driveway and watering plants.”
“It OVAM investigation is still ongoing† In the coming period, additional risk locations will be investigated and the PFAS contamination will be better mapped. The measures can be adjusted in the future on the basis of these new measurement results. Our city council is in close contact with OVAM and the Agency for Care and Health. In this way we ensure that everyone is informed in good time about new developments. All information on Zottegem.be/pfas of www.vlaanderen.be/pfas-vervuiling† General questions about [email protected].”
