Beverwijk leads the way with first total steel slag ban in the Netherlands
Residents of Beverwijk are the first in the Netherlands to experience a total ban on steel slag, a material linked to environmental concerns. State Secretary Annet Bertram visited Aagtenpark to learn about the impact and preparations for a parliamentary debate on the issue.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Aagtenpark, Beverwijk, Noord-Holland |
| Key Figure | Annet Bertram, State Secretary for Infrastructure and Water Management |
| Municipal Achievement | First total ban on steel slag in the Netherlands |
| Date of Visit | 30 March 2026 |
| Parliamentary Debate Date | 2 April 2026 |
| Attendees | Deputy Mayor Suzanne Klaassen, Ciska Scheidel (GGD), Frank van Vliet (VNG) |
The Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management oversees policies related to environmental health and infrastructure, including the regulation of materials like steel slag. This visit highlights the ministry's role in assessing local implementations of national environmental policies and preparing for parliamentary discussions.
Read the full translated article below
State Secretary visits Aagtenpark
On Monday, 30 March, Annet Bertram, State Secretary for Infrastructure and Water Management, paid a visit to Aagtenpark. The reason for the visit was that Beverwijk became the first municipality to introduce a total ban on the use of steel slag. She was also keen to learn about the past use of steel slag in Aagtenpark. The visit was part of preparations for the Environment Commission Debate in the House of Representatives on 2 April.
Deputy Mayor Suzanne Klaassen led the group on a tour. In addition to the State Secretary, the visit was also attended by Ciska Scheidel (Director of Public Health GGD Kennemerland and member of the Taskforce Existing Applications of Steel Slag on behalf of GGD GHOR) and Frank van Vliet (Deputy Mayor of Delft and member of the Administrative Consultation on Soil on behalf of the Association of Netherlands Municipalities).
Municipal employees from Beverwijk and the IJmond Environmental Service provided an explanation of the use of steel slag in the area. They also addressed the questions and points of attention that arise in this context.
The discussion also covered the broader context that Beverwijk deals with on a daily basis. Topics included the importance of a healthy living environment, the presence of industry and business activity, proximity to the seaport and highways, and the further development of the municipality.
Following this, the delegation held a meeting with local residents at the Beverwijk Rennersclub Kennemerland. In an open and calm setting, they shared their experiences. These accounts provided valuable additional insight into the situation in and around Aagtenpark.