At that time, the consequences of the use of foam by firefighters were not reported as potentially dangerous. “Those responsible for RPA Hainaut Sécurité understand the difficulties this causes for farmers and wish to support them as best as possible to reassure them as well as the local population.” Since July 2022, more than a year before the PFAS crisis, the Régie has applied the recommendations resulting from a study commissioned from BTEE, an approved expert in polluted soil management.
“In consultation with this consultant, the Régie carried out a rigorous visual inspection of the wells, its water collection and sludge evacuation networks. Scientific analyzes and interventions were carried out in the field, including the execution of drilling, with a view to carrying out a complete sanitation plan. Generally speaking, more than 200,000 euros have been invested over the past three years to benefit issues related to the environment.”
Significant efforts, therefore, but which must not stop there. “The Hainaut Provincial College would like to see the RPA continue in this direction with the Walloon Soil Sanitation Directorate and with BTEE. Contacts are underway for the continuation of decontamination work by specialized companies. In collaboration with farmers concerned, these various partners will carry out precise marking of non-cultivable areas to facilitate their future work.”
Measures which can be welcomed… But which, as we know, will remain insufficient given the consequences of soil pollution with PFAS, also known as eternal pollutants.
