Arcadis will support 3M in the delivery of a multi-year remediation program addressing historical Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination in the area surrounding the 3M site in Zwijndrecht, Belgium. The project includes the remediation and restoration of residential, agricultural, natural, and recreational areas within the so-called ‘zone 1A’ and further strengthens Arcadis' position as a leading partner for complex environmental remediation and restoration programs with significant societal impact.
The work forms part of the broader remediation efforts being undertaken by 3M in the Zwijndrecht region. In the first phase, approximately 400 plots will be remediated. This includes removing the contaminated topsoil layer and replacing it with suitable and clean soil, after which the properties will be restored in consultation with residents and property owners.
An Integrated Approach to a Complex Environmental Challenge
PFAS contamination is among the most complex environmental challenges of our time. Addressing it requires not only deep technical expertise, but also an integrated approach that brings together environmental remediation, safety, logistics, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder management.
Arcadis is delivering the project under an Engineering, Procurement & Construction Management (EPCM) contract. In this role, Arcadis is responsible for coordinating the entire program on behalf of the client, including contractor selection and management, health and safety oversight, logistics coordination, cost control, environmental monitoring, environmental supervision of remediation activities, and overall project and stakeholder management.
The work will be carried out in phases over several years. Contaminated soil will be transported for further treatment in accordance with applicable regulations, while affected properties will be restored in line with the preferences of property owners and residents.
Local Delivery Supported by International Expertise
For this project, Arcadis is bringing together specialists from multiple disciplines, including soil remediation, environmental management, infrastructure, permitting, stakeholder engagement, and project management. A Belgian team of approximately 25 experts is working closely with colleagues from the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and the United States.
The international knowledge and experience Arcadis has built through similar remediation and restoration projects around the world has already been applied during the project's development phase and will continue to play a key role throughout delivery. This combination of strong local presence and global expertise enables Arcadis to address complex environmental challenges efficiently and through a truly integrated approach.
Heather Polinsky, CEO, Arcadis, said: “By combining local knowledge with international expertise, we are supporting our client in delivering a program that contributes to the restoration of soil quality and the living environment for the surrounding community. This project reflects the strength of our integrated approach to complex environmental challenges.”
