{"id":50973,"date":"2026-05-13T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-05-13T06:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.swecobelgium.be\/?post_type=blog&p=50973"},"modified":"2026-05-08T12:14:24","modified_gmt":"2026-05-08T10:14:24","slug":"radioactive-soil-contamination","status":"publish","type":"blog","link":"https:\/\/www.swecobelgium.be\/en\/news\/radioactive-soil-contamination\/","title":{"rendered":"New federal rules for radioactive soil contamination: are you prepared?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Radioactive soil contamination<\/a> requires a well\u2011considered, multidisciplinary approach. Sweco combines in\u2011depth expertise in radioactivity and radiation protection with many years of experience in soil investigations, soil remediation<\/a>, landfills and isolation techniques. This enables us to guide you from the initial risk assessment to safe and feasible solutions, always tailored to your technical and financial context.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Cover image: AI generated image, \u00a9 Sweco<\/em><\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Obligations for companies and public authorities<\/h2>\n

With the Soil Remediation<\/a> Act (WSB) of 20 November 2022<\/strong> and the Royal Decree of 26 June 2024<\/strong>, Belgium now has a new and clear legal framework for soils contaminated with radioactive substances. The legislation clarifies how federal and regional competences interact and what role recognised experts play.<\/p>\n

What does this mean in practice for you as a company, public authority or site manager?<\/strong> When are you obliged to carry out investigations? And how do you handle this correctly? In this article, we clearly outline the new rules and their impact.<\/p>\n

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Why new federal rules for radioactive soil contamination?<\/h2>\n

Since the St. Michael\u2019s Agreement (1993)<\/strong>, environmental policy has been a regional competence, while protection against ionising radiation has remained a federal responsibility. In practice, this division has long caused uncertainty: how exactly should radioactive soil contamination<\/a> be addressed?<\/p>\n

Through ARBIS (Article 72\/1)<\/strong>, the Federal Agency for Nuclear Control (FANC) already had the task of developing protection strategies for contaminated zones. However, soil contamination<\/a> was never concretely defined. With the Soil Remediation<\/a> Act<\/strong> and its implementing Royal Decree, this gap has now been closed, creating a clear framework that connects federal and regional responsibilities.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Soil Remediation Act and Royal Decree: what exactly changes?<\/h2>\n

The Soil Remediation<\/a> Act and the accompanying Royal Decree clearly define how soils with radioactive contamination must be investigated and, if necessary, remediated. Central to this is the introduction of the recognised expert in soil contamination<\/a><\/strong>. The FANC can require you to carry out an exploratory soil investigation<\/a><\/strong>, which must always be conducted under the supervision of such a recognised expert.<\/p>\n

Based on the results, the expert assesses whether a descriptive investigation<\/strong> and possible remediation are required. He or she manages the remediation project, supervises the works and ensures the mandatory reporting. Throughout the entire process, there is close consultation with the FANC<\/strong>. Where radioactive waste may arise, NIRAS<\/strong> is also involved to provide advice.<\/p>\n

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The role of the recognised soil expert<\/h2>\n

A key element of the new regulations is the introduction of the recognised expert in soil contamination<\/a>. This recognition aligns with existing regional recognitions as a soil remediation<\/a> expert in Flanders, Brussels and Wallonia<\/strong>. Sweco is recognised in all three regions and therefore has the right foundation to act for you within this federal framework.<\/p>\n

In addition, a specialised supplementary training course is required, focusing on radioactivity and radiation protection. This training is provided by experts from organisations such as SCK\u2011CEN, ISIB and the FANC<\/strong>, and offers a solid theoretical basis in nuclear physics, radiation protection, radionuclides in the environment and the safe handling of radioactive materials. The theory is complemented by practical exercises and field measurements.<\/p>\n

Within Sweco, Marc Vankerkom<\/strong>, Team Manager Soil & Environment and industrial engineer in nuclear energy<\/a>, passed the examination to become a recognised expert in soil contamination<\/a>.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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Which sites are at risk of radioactive soil contamination?<\/h2>\n

The new legislation is particularly relevant if your site has historical links to activities involving radioactive substances or materials with Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

This includes, among others:<\/p>\n