The Specific Soil Grant has been open for applications since February 2nd for one month. Municipalities, provinces, water boards, and environmental agencies can receive funding for soil remediation. In this opening round, research into PFAS contamination is an important component.

© Ruud Steegers

7 categories of soil contamination

In total, €109 million is available for 7 categories of soil contamination. The budget is for authorities responsible for addressing it. This includes, for example, old industrial sites where soil remediation is ongoing or places where groundwater is polluted. The Specific Grant (SPUK) Soil provides financial support for the final part of a remediation that in some cases has been ongoing for decades. Or for the detection and approach of new soil contamination.

PFAS

The disadvantages of PFAS in the soil have only become known in recent years. Its approach is increasingly important for authorities. Therefore, we are distributing the budget items in the SPUK Soil differently this year. A total of €46 million is available for the approach and research of PFAS. The largest part is available for research: €36 million. This includes, for example, a remediation plan. The approach includes, among other things: 

  • the execution of a remediation and
  • the drafting of usage advice.

Usage advice explains how people can safely deal with PFAS contamination. 

Increased concentrations at 170 locations

PFAS is a collective name for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. Many of these substances are harmful to humans and the environment. They hardly break down and may be emitted by industries. According to analysis by Utrecht University, there are increased PFAS concentrations at 170 locations in the Netherlands. You can find the report on the website of the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate.

Assessing applications

There may be more applications for PFAS research than the budget allows. In that case, we distribute the budget equally. For submitted plans for PFAS approach, RVO uses an assessment framework. The consulting firms Tauw and Witteveen+Bos previously established criteria with a points system. RVO has been implementing the SPUK Soil since mid-2024, commissioned by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management (IenW). The SPUK continues until 2030.

In cooperation with:
  • Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management