Emerging substances
We are witnessing an increase in new and emerging contaminants or substances of very high concern in our living environment. These substances, such as PFASs, have an impact on the quality of our living environment and are very difficult to remove. Furthermore, the consequences for humans, animals and the environment are often irreversible and only become apparent after one or two generations.
Source approach or curative
In Europe alone, there are over 21,000 hazardous substances on the market. Some we use regularly, such as fuels and detergents. Others are the building blocks of consumer products, such as cars and smartphones. The most harmful substances are known as Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC). They fall into this category if they are carcinogenic, very persistent or very bioaccumulative (vPvB), among others.
Many sectors are having to deal with emerging substances and substances of very high concern. Particularly in areas of land use (food production, earth moving and housing) and in the water system (drinking water production, recreational water and wastewater treatment). Witteveen+Bos works on product and knowledge development to deal with emerging substances and substances of very high concern in a socially responsible way. We also apply this knowledge in our own projects.
PFAS Expertise Centre
The best way to tackle the issue is at its source, but once in the environment, a rigorous approach by experienced specialists is necessary to minimise the effects. We are working on this challenge by actively developing solutions. We successfully apply these solutions in our projects.
As one of the initiators of the PFAS Expertise Centre, Witteveen+Bos closely follows developments at European and national level. We possess, for example, in-depth knowledge of the PFAS restriction process and jurisprudence regarding substance classification; we closely monitor changes related to C&L classifications, environmental and water permits as well as standardisation; we know the ins and outs of the Soil and Subsoil Implementation Programme and have extensive technical knowledge of industrial processes.
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