Brussels, 14 October, (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The Brussels-Capital Region has joined legal proceedings against the bankruptcy trustees of former fire extinguisher manufacturer SICLI following the discovery of severe chemical contamination at its former industrial site in Uccle. The Brussels PFAS pollution dispute has intensified concerns over environmental protection, public health and responsibility for cleaning up contaminated land.
The regional government announced its involvement on 12 October, supporting legal action initiated by Brussels Environment to enforce environmental obligations despite the company’s bankruptcy.
Brussels Authorities Escalate Legal Action Against SICLI
Brussels Environment has brought an environmental cessation action before the Court of First Instance, seeking an order requiring SICLI’s bankruptcy trustees to comply with their legal responsibilities.
The trustees dispute whether they are required to undertake certain investigations and remediation measures following the company’s insolvency.
Regional officials maintain that bankruptcy does not automatically remove obligations under Brussels legislation governing contaminated soil.
The proceedings seek to establish enforceable responsibilities for preventing further environmental damage and addressing existing contamination.
PFAS Contamination Exceeds Safety Thresholds
Investigations at the former SICLI premises on Chaussée de Neerstalle revealed exceptionally high concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS.
According to figures reported by Belgian news agency Belga, concentrations exceeded intervention thresholds by up to 2,449 times in soil and 10,000 times in groundwater.
PFAS are persistent synthetic chemicals historically used in various industrial products, including certain firefighting materials.
Their resistance to environmental degradation has raised international concerns about long-term contamination and potential health risks.
The findings have increased pressure on authorities to establish responsibility for the affected industrial site.
Environment Secretary Demands Strong Accountability
Brussels Secretary of State for the Environment Ans Persoons has defended the decision to pursue legal action.
“Bankruptcy must not be an excuse to neglect your environmental responsibilities,” Persoons said in a statement reported on 14 October.
She emphasised that protecting the environment and residents’ health remained non-negotiable.
The regional government has pledged to use available legal mechanisms to ensure that environmental obligations are respected.
Uccle’s acting mayor, Valentine Delwart, has also expressed concern about the consequences for neighbouring households.
Residents Remain Under Environmental Precautions
The contamination became publicly known in June 2025 after investigations connected to the company’s environmental permit procedures.
Brussels Environment subsequently worked with Uccle municipality to assess the extent of contamination.
Residents within the designated precautionary area, extending approximately 100 metres around the affected site, have been advised against using private well water.
They have also been advised not to consume home-grown vegetables, fruit, eggs or small livestock originating from gardens within the affected perimeter.
Brussels Environment previously stated that the public drinking water supply was not affected by the identified contamination.
Environmental Dispute Raises Wider Concerns
The Brussels PFAS pollution proceedings highlight a wider challenge facing European authorities: ensuring that environmental clean-up responsibilities remain enforceable when industrial operators become insolvent.
The case also illustrates the practical consequences of persistent chemical contamination for nearby communities.
For affected residents, uncertainty over remediation creates continuing concerns about household activities, garden produce and the condition of surrounding land.
The legal dispute could also clarify how existing environmental requirements apply to bankruptcy trustees.
What Happens Next in the SICLI Legal Case?
The Court of First Instance must consider the application seeking to compel compliance with environmental obligations.
No final ruling or confirmed timetable for completing remediation has been announced.
Brussels Environment and regional authorities are continuing their efforts to secure the measures they consider necessary.
Until further official guidance is issued, residents within the designated area should continue following the existing precautionary recommendations.
The proceedings will determine whether the disputed environmental obligations can be enforced against the bankruptcy trustees, with significant implications for the future management of the contaminated site.
