advertentieThe province will investigate where steel slag has been used in provincial roads in the past. The province will also temporarily stop the use of steel slag in elevation and asphalt layers of roads for which the province is the client.
The reason for these actions by the province are concerns regarding the use of steel slag and the potential risks to health and the environment, especially when not applied carefully.
Steel Slag
Steel slag is a by-product that arises from the production of steel. After processing, this slag can be reused as construction material, for example in foundations, elevations, or asphalt constructions of roads.
National Legislation and Regulations
The government is responsible for national legislation and regulations regarding steel slag. The province follows these national regulations and ensures compliance. The national policy currently assumes that as long as steel slag is applied safely and responsibly, it contributes significantly to the circular economy as it is a by-product of the steel industry.
The national government is reconsidering the use of steel slag. Pending the outcomes, the province temporarily does not allow the use of steel slag in the construction of provincial roads in elevations and asphalt layers.
Research on Applied Steel Slag
The research into the application of steel slag focuses on elevations and asphalt layers in provincial roads. It concerns situations where the road network has been expanded since 2014. Currently, there are no known concerns regarding the use of steel slag at a specific location for which the province is responsible as road manager or competent authority.