A draft Statute on soil clean-up is being discussed at the Flemish Council (Vlaamse Raad). The new Statute is expected to enter into force in March or April 1995. The purpose is to provide the Flemish Region with a comprehensive body of rules to effectively tackle soil pollution.

The bill contains numerous provisions that are important for the business and industrial community. In this first contribution, we will only highlight the new obligations that are imposed on each transfer of land situated in the Flemish Region. Subsequent contributions will deal, amongst other things, with the new rules on liability for soil contamination, the financial securities, the "Register of polluted soils", the standards for soil clean-up.

As long as this bill has not been approved by the Flemish Council, the proposed text can be amended.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

For further information contact Patrick Peeters on + 32.2. 517.94.55.