Soil

Soil research and soil contamination

Soil can become contaminated in many ways. A common cause is leakage from an underground oil storage tank. The use of contaminated filling material, especially in older residential areas, has also led to soil contamination. In addition, (business) activities such as smithies, dry cleaners, and paint factories may have led to soil contamination.

Soil research indicates whether soil contamination is present and to what extent. In cases of severe soil contamination, remediation may be necessary. You may encounter soil contamination in various situations: when buying or selling real estate, applying for an environmental or planning licence, or when reusing or disposing of soil. If you (as a private individual) come across an old underground oil tank that has been taken out of use but has not yet been remediated, you must report this to DE Omgevingsdienst West-Holland (ODWH).

Soil research into lead has been completed  

In the period 2019/2022, commissioned by the province of Zuid-Holland, soil research was carried out into the presence of lead at playgrounds and allotment gardens. The results of this research, tips, and information about lead can be found here: Pay attention to lead - Omgevingsdienst West-Holland (odwh.nl)

Do you have questions about the soil research into lead? Please feel free to call the Omgevingsdienst West-Holland at 071 - 40 83 100.

Soil information

All soil data of the municipality has been entered into a digital soil information system. The municipality therefore has information on the soil quality or the presence of an underground tank for many locations. You can inquire with DE Omgevingsdienst West-Holland (ODWH) whether soil information (including underground oil tanks) for a specific plot is available. 

Earthmoving

It is not simply permitted to excavate or dredge sand, soil, or dredged material anywhere and deposit it in another location or use / apply it. There is a possibility that the sand, soil, or dredged material is contaminated. This soil can then mix with the cleaner underlying soil, thereby spreading the contamination. There is also a risk that the contamination in the soil will leach out due to rainwater and end up in the underlying layer. Therefore, for the application of soil, the Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment has drawn up the Soil Quality Decree. The purpose of this Decree is to ensure that the soil in the Netherlands is managed sustainably. If soil is applied somewhere, the quality of the soil must be suitable for the (future) use at the application location. Furthermore, the quality of the receiving soil must not deteriorate.

The municipalities of Hillegom, Kaag en Braassem, Leiden, Leiderdorp, Lisse, Nieuwkoop, Noordwijk, Oegstgeest, Teylingen, Voorschoten, and Zoeterwoude have drawn up joint rules for the (temporary) excavation, storage, and application of sand, soil, and dredged material. The joint rules of these municipalities in the West-Holland region are included in the Soil Management Policy Note. Information on the Soil Management Policy Note and the associated soil quality Maps can be found here: Moving or reusing soil and construction materials - Omgevingsdienst West-Holland (odwh.nl).

For the application of sand, soil, or dredged material in ditches or other surface water, the Water Authority is the competent authority. The Rijnland Water Authority is active within the municipality.