GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Tauw was commissioned by OVAM (Openbare Vlaamse Afvalstoffenmaatschappij) to perform an extensive descriptive soil investigation on the sites of the former De Keyn paint factory. On the site also an old plaster dumping ground was present, originating back to the beginning of the 20th century when the artificial fertilizer industry was present.

Tauw investigated the impact of the dumping ground on groundwater quality. A periodical monitoring campaign of several years was done investigating the leach out and evolution of heavy metals, sulphates, phosphates and chlorides. Based upon the data obtained a conclusion was made regarding the risks of contamination spread.

In preparation of the remediation a feasibility study was performed on the material of the plaster dump itself. Drillings in the plaster materials determined composition, leach out and radioactive radiation. Based upon all collected information possibilities for remediation and redevelopment of the site were elaborated.