IJmond region takes action to cut pollution and improve health by 2030
Residents of Beverwijk, Heemskerk, and Velsen will see cleaner air and less noise and odor nuisance as local governments launch a new program to tackle environmental risks. The initiative aims for a 50% health improvement by 2030, directly impacting daily life.
| Key Data | Details |
|---|---|
| Program | Healthy Living Environment IJmond 2026-2030 (PGL) |
| Municipalities Involved | Beverwijk, Heemskerk, Velsen |
| Collaborating Partners | IJmond Environmental Service (ODIJ), GGD Kennemerland |
| Health Target | 50% improvement by 2030 (aligned with Clean Air Agreement) |
| EU Limit Values Target | Fine dust and nitrogen dioxide by 2030 |
| WHO Advisory Values | Fine dust and nitrogen dioxide (from 2021 guidelines) |
| Focus Areas | Air quality, noise, odor nuisance, and harmful substances |
| Sectors Addressed | Industry, mobility, shipping, residential environment |
| Resident Involvement | Participation in formation, implementation, and evaluation of the program |
The municipal councils of Beverwijk, Heemskerk, and Velsen, alongside the IJmond Environmental Service (ODIJ) and GGD Kennemerland, are responsible for implementing environmental policies that directly affect public health and quality of life. Their role includes enforcing national agreements like the Clean Air Agreement and addressing local environmental risks.
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Read the full translated article below
Healthy Living Environment IJmond Program Established
The municipal councils of Beverwijk, Heemskerk, and Velsen established the new Healthy Living Environment IJmond 2026-2030 Program (PGL) on March 5, 2026. The program is a collaboration between the 3 municipalities, the IJmond Environmental Service (ODIJ), and the GGD Kennemerland as a health advisor. The goal: improving the living environment in IJmond. We achieve this with measures aimed at air quality, noise, and odor nuisance. This implements the Clean Air Agreement (SLA).
What have we established?
The national Clean Air Agreement aims for a 50% health improvement by 2030. Additionally, we want to take steps towards the EU limit values for fine dust and nitrogen dioxide in IJmond by 2030. And we are working towards the WHO advisory values for fine dust and nitrogen dioxide in IJmond from 2021. RIVM stated in 2023: "In IJmond, there is a stacking of environmental risks. Residents are exposed to a combination of dust, noise, odor, and harmful substances. There is more stacking of these risks in IJmond than in other places in the Netherlands."
Further development
We laid the foundation in the previous program. In the new program, we build on that. Improving air quality and reducing noise and odor nuisance. With specific attention to the combination of environmental risks in IJmond. This concerns the stacking of dust, noise, odor, and harmful substances. There will also be an integral measurement and monitoring plan for the quality of the living environment.
What does this mean for residents?
The program works on measures to reduce exposure to harmful substances in:
- industry
- mobility
- shipping
- residential environment.
Additionally, we involve residents and social organizations in the formation, implementation, and evaluation of the program.
Next steps
We are now further developing the possible activities for the themes of shipping and mobility. Within the theme of living environment, we will continue with the activities we started in the 2021-2025 program.