THE CHALLENGE: In The Netherlands, the policy areas water and soil are constantly changing. Varios new frameworks, regulations and policies signify a considerable challenge for the governments regarding water and soil. Policies are focussing more and more on a risk approach based on actual risks instead of potential risks. The new Soil Protection Act and the Soil Quality decree aim towards this as well.
Correlated with this, dredging sludge depots are often considered chemical timebombs. After all, little is known of the processes that take place in and around depots and the long-term effects of these processes on the environment.

THE APPROACH: A start was made with the knowledge project "Leaching and Distribution from Depots" in 2004. ARCADIS delivered research and modelling services. The essence of this project is the realisation of a smart measurement programme that can eliminate a substantial part of the remaining knowledge gaps concerning leaching and distribution.

THE RESULT: Thanks to the study, we now know much more about the processes in and around depots. This clears the way to making concrete policy recommendations.
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