The Province of Utrecht, together with six other provinces and Vewin (Association of Water Companies in the Netherlands), commissioned research into the use and spread of PFAS-containing pesticides. The study was conducted by research and consultancy firm CLM and shows that approximately 1000 kilograms of PFAS pesticides are used annually in Utrecht. Thanks to the research, there is a clearer picture of the use, spread, and risks of these substances for groundwater and soil.
The research was conducted because provinces and drinking water companies are increasingly concerned about PFAS pollution and its impact on groundwater. Groundwater is a source of drinking water, and contamination threatens its suitability for consumption. Approximately 1000 kilograms of PFAS pesticides are used annually in Utrecht. Residues end up in the environment. It is still too early to say whether 1000 kilograms is a lot or a little. Utrecht scores significantly lower than other provinces studied.
Towards a Clean Environment
The Province of Utrecht stands for a safe living environment, clean water, and healthy soil.
The detection of PFAS pesticide residues in our soil emphasizes the importance of structurally reducing these substances. PFAS-containing plant protection products have been permitted since the 1990s; there are a total of 115 products on the market containing PFAS as an active substance or auxiliary substance. Breakdown products can form from these products, which are also PFAS substances, such as TFA. Researchers have observed an increase in the use of PFAS pesticides, especially in the past three years, reporting a rise of up to 67 percent.
In 2021, the RIVM already reported that people ingest too much PFAS through food and drinking water. Deputy for Water and Soil Has Bakker: “We did not participate in this research for nothing. What we see now confirms the concern we have had for some time. We must do something about this now. Of course, as a province ourselves, but we are also looking to Europe and the national government to tighten regulations.” The study attributes the use of these products in Utrecht to the cultivation of hard fruit such as pears, apples (to a lesser extent), and silage maize.
Recommendations from the Research Report
The research report contains several recommendations aimed at the national government and the Board for the Authorization of Plant Protection Products and Biocides (Ctgb): the rules for PFAS-containing pesticides must be stricter, including better registration of substances at the parcel level and a ban on the use of PFAS auxiliary substances. Additionally, growers should receive more information about what is in the products, which is often unknown to them.
Provinces also receive recommendations, including more targeted soil (and water) measurements for PFAS pesticides in agricultural areas with intensive cultivation and the anchoring of groundwater protection in environmental policy. Deputy Bakker: “The use of PFAS pesticides has increased sharply in recent years. We also see that information about the impact of using these products is still incomplete. I am concerned about the condition of our soil and groundwater. It is now important to take up the recommendations and, together with the sector, reduce the use of PFAS pesticides.”
Additionally, the Province of Utrecht is involved in the IPO context in lobbying for an active approach to PFAS to prevent further spread. The province also supports the lobbying efforts of Vewin and the Association of Water Boards for a total ban on PFAS. Has Bakker: “Millions of euros are spent on PFAS remediation. As long as we do nothing at the source, it is like mopping with the tap open.”
Follow-up
The findings of the research firm will be further studied in the coming weeks. At the end of November, the Provincial Council will be informed about how the Province of Utrecht can implement the researchers’ recommendations.
For press information:
jiri.glaap@provincie-utrecht.nl
06 39 63 21 97
