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Published on 26 August 2022

Remediation of contaminated sites

A large number of polluted sites can only be handled in steps for reasons of personnel, time and money. In principle, individual sites should be approached first at a global and then at an increasingly detailed level in order that those among the approximately 38'000 polluted sites requiring remediation or monitoring can be earmarked.

Fundamental approach

The costs of tackling contaminated site issues in an unsystematic way can easily escalate. To avoid this problem, it is advisable to proceed according to the scheme described below.

Contaminated site management - Step 1: Register

Registration of the polluted sites, initial assessment

Contaminated site management - step 2: preliminary investigation

The need for monitoring and remediation are clarified

Contaminated sites management - step 3: detailed investigation

The objectives and urgency of remediation are established

Contaminated sites management - step 4: remediation

The site has been remediated.

Monitoring and aftercare

Key elements of contaminated sites remediation

Cooperation

Complex tasks such as remediation can only be tackled if all parties work toward the solution, which is stated by the Contaminated Sites Ordinance.