Institutional, legal and financial contexts to restoration of contaminated soils in the European Union (EU)

Title: Institutional, legal and financial contexts to restoration of contaminated soils in the European Union (EU)

Authors: Teodora Todorcic Vekic¹, Robert B. Menson¹, Jenny Norrman¹, Lars Rosen¹, Linda Maring²

¹Chalmers University of Technology, Architecture and Civil Engineering, Engineering Geology, Gothenburg, Sweden

²Deltares, PoBox 85467, 3508 AL Utrecht, The Netherlands

 

Abstract

In order to meet both the short- and long-term objectives of the European Union’s Soil Strategy, remediation of contaminated soils is necessary to reduce soil pollution and create a toxic-free environment. Efforts are being made by Member States to remediate contaminated sites in their respective countries, but they are often constrained by different institutional, legal and financial contexts, facing very country specific barriers in remediation efforts and later reuse of contaminated sites.

In this study we discuss technical, financial, social, institutional and economic barriers that EU countries face when remediation of contaminated soils in their respective countries takes place and how they might be overcome. Our study included countries from the EU's Horizon Europe-funded ISLANDR projects consortium: five EU member states (Finland, France, Netherlands, Cyprus, and Poland) and one non-member state (Kosovo). Specific case studies of remediation examples from consortium countries were used to provide further insight of present contexts and frameworks when put in practice. Data on barriers countries face and possible solutions to overcome those barriers were collected through series of interviews, workshops and surveys of consortium members and relevant actors. Barriers were listed into 11 categories, including: planning, communication, stakeholder involvement, experts, policy and legislation, political barriers, costs, taxation, risk assessment and liability, enablers/drivers, site ownership, mass management and invasive species. Most commonly identified barriers to remediation of soil for all countries were associated with (1) costs to remediation, (2) weak and incoherent institutional and legal frameworks, (3) lack of interest (no urge to anticipate cessation of use) and (4) uncertainty in the planning process and subsequently costs for redevelopment and maintenance. Implementing (i) increase of investments in research and development, (ii) initiation and implementation of subsidies, tax reductions and loans schemes for developers, (iii) connecting remediation to urban planning areas according to soil quality and soil health were found to be primary measures to overcome identified barriers for a more sustainable soil management across Europe.

This study highlights the importance of collaborative efforts that countries can employ to establish or update their existing institutional, legal and financial framework(s) for remediation of contaminated sites in the EU, depending on their respective levels of institutional advancement.

 

Key words: brownfields, soil policy, governance