Steel slag, a byproduct of the steel industry, has long been used in many different places and ways. It is not precisely known where it is located. After the introduction of the temporary halt, the ministry, municipalities, provinces, and water boards increasingly receive questions about what to do with sites where steel slag was used before the temporary stop.
The taskforce organizes a joint, nationwide approach to clarify the locations where steel slag is present and where there is an increased risk to people or the environment. Additionally, the taskforce focuses on bundling and making knowledge about the application of steel slag available so that citizens, companies, and local governments are well informed.
State Secretary Thierry Aartsen: “With the temporary halt, we have taken a firm but necessary step to immediately limit the risks of steel slag. However, many questions remain, especially about the places where steel slag was previously applied and still remains. That is why it is valuable that we join forces with all these parties and work together in this taskforce.”
