Following the successful completion of the final tests, the first batch of contaminated soil was fed into the PFAS soil treatment facility next to the Zwanenburg Runway in July 2026. This marks the start of a new phase, in which we will use this facility to treat 200,000 tonnes of PFAS-contaminated soil generated during works at Schiphol.
Over the past few weeks, the final preparations for commissioning the facility have been completed. Extensive tests were carried out on both the facility itself and its various systems, from the conveyor belts to the water treatment system. The results have given us the green light to begin operations. The first quantities of soil have now been processed and successfully treated.
A great deal of attention has been paid to the safe handling and treatment of contaminated soil. The soil is transported in sealed lorries. Wherever possible, these vehicles use a dedicated internal transport route between the storage locations, minimising the use of public roads.
Before leaving the treatment area, all lorries pass through a wheel-washing facility. To prevent dust emissions during dry weather, a sprinkler system has been installed above the soil storage bays. In addition, all water on the site is collected through a closed drainage system, and the entire facility is situated on an impermeable surface to prevent leakage into the environment.
Transporting the soil elsewhere for disposal was an option. However, we prefer to contribute actively to finding solutions to the PFAS challenge. That is why we invest in research and have purchased this soil treatment facility of DEME. There are currently four similar facilities in Belgium, and this is the second one in the Netherlands.
It is important to note that the soil treatment facility is not a solution for all PFAS-contaminated soil at Schiphol. The PFAS issue is complex, there are currently no widely applicable solutions, and each location requires a tailored approach.