Restoring Land and Safeguarding Water

Introduction

Belgium’s rich industrial history, dense urban areas, and intensive agriculture have shaped its economy for centuries. But these same drivers have also left behind serious environmental challenges. From pesticide residues in farmlands to heavy metals in former mining zones and petroleum leaks in industrial estates, soil and groundwater contamination remain pressing issues. Add to this the country’s growing population, demand for clean water, and European Union environmental standards, and soil remediation becomes more than a necessity it is a national priority.

At The Ground Water Company, we provide specialized soil remediation services in Belgium. Our mission is to help industries, municipalities, and landowners restore contaminated land, protect aquifers, and enable sustainable development in line with both Belgian and EU regulations.

What Is Soil Remediation?

Soil remediation is the process of cleaning up and restoring contaminated soil to make it safe for people, plants, and animals. It’s commonly used at sites where industrial activities, chemical spills, or improper waste disposal have polluted the ground.

• Pesticides and fertilizers from intensive farming in Flanders and Wallonia.
• Petroleum hydrocarbons linked to fuel depots, transport corridors, and old industrial hubs.
• Heavy metals from historic mining and smelting operations.
• Waste and construction residues associated with rapid urbanization.

Soil Contamination Challenges in Belgium

Belgium’s geography, economy, and history create unique soil management challenges:

• Agriculture & Irrigation – High reliance on fertilizers has contributed to nitrate pollution in soils and aquifers.
• Industrial Legacy – Centuries of mining and metallurgy left behind heavy metal contamination in areas such as Liège and Charleroi.
• Urban Development – Densely populated cities generate waste and put pressure on soil and groundwater quality.
• Water Management – With aquifers supplying much of the country’s drinking water, contamination risks pose a direct threat to households and farming.

Our Soil Remediation Services in Belgium

1. Site Assessment & Soil Testing

Soil sampling and analysis to identify contaminants

Risk assessment for human health and environment

Geotechnical surveys to understand soil structure

2. Excavation & Disposal

Removal of contaminated soil

Transport to licensed disposal facilities

Landfill management or off-site treatment

3.In-Situ Remediation Services

Bioremediation (using microbes or plants)

Chemical oxidation/reduction

Soil vapor extraction

Phytoremediation

4.Ex-Situ Remediation Services

Soil washing

Thermal desorption

Stabilization 

5.Water Treatment 

Pump and treat systems

Permeable reactive barriers

Containment systems

6.Monitoring & Reporting

Post-remediation soil testing

Environmental monitoring

Regulatory reporting and documentation

Why Soil Remediation Matters in Belgium

• Protects Drinking Water – Safeguards aquifers that supply millions of residents.
• Restores Agricultural Land – Improves soil fertility and secures food production.
• Supports Development Goals – Enables safe redevelopment of brownfield sites.
• Strengthens Public Health – Reduces long-term exposure to toxins.
• Ensures Compliance – Meets Belgium’s strict environmental regulations and EU directives.

Other Groundwater Services We Provide in Greece

In addition to soil remediation, GWC offers a wide range of groundwater services:

•  Ground water exploration
•  Ground water recharge
•  Ground water contamination
•  Dewatering solutions
•  Flooding solutions
•  Hydrological studies
•  Ground water seepage
  
•  Ground water remediation
• Flood risk assessment
•  Ground water consulting
•  Ground water quality monitoring
•  Integrated water resources management
•  Rock mapping

Conclusion

Belgium’s mix of industrial legacies, intensive agriculture, and urban density makes soil and groundwater protection a critical challenge for the decades ahead. At The Ground Water Company, we bring together science, technology, and on-ground expertise to restore polluted land, safeguard aquifers, and ensure a healthier, more sustainable future for Belgium.