Sint-Niklaas (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Sint-Niklaas’s Grote Markt renovation cost rose from €21M to €22.4M due to PFAS pollution from old laundries. A €1.4M water cleaning system was added to meet environmental rules.
As VRT News reported, Sint-Niklaas’ Grote Markt’s renovation, which was supposed to cost 21 million euros, is now going to cost 22.4 million euros. This increase is due to unexpected issues during the construction. A big part of the extra cost is for a water cleaning system.
They had to put this in because they were doing a lot of work underground, digging up the soil. When they pumped out the groundwater to keep the site dry, they found it was polluted. Because of strict environmental rules, they can’t reuse or release this dirty water without cleaning it first.
Why did the Sint-Niklaas Grote Markt renovation costs rise by €1.4M?
They found harmful chemicals called PFAS in the groundwater. Environmentalists mentioned that these chemicals are bad for the environment and can cause health problems, so there are strict rules about them.
The city had to add a special water cleaner to the project. This cleaner removes the PFAS from the water before it can be used again or released safely. The water cleaner costs an extra 1.4 million euros, which is why the total project cost increased.
The PFAS pollution came from old laundries near the Grote Markt. 5 laundries used chemicals with PFAS to treat waterproof clothes. These chemicals stay in the environment for a long time and don’t break down easily. They were found in the soil under the construction site.
When the project started, no one knew the ground was polluted. This kind of problem often happens in big city projects, especially where there used to be factories or industries. Old pollution can be discovered during the planning or early construction.
The project faced worries about higher costs due to the pollution cleanup. But, the most expensive parts of the construction should be done in 2 months. After that, they will start planting plants in the fall. Because the main work is almost finished, the team doesn’t expect any more cost increases. They believe the project is on time and within budget, even with the pollution problems at the start.
Sarhan Basem is Brussels Morning's Senior Correspondent to the European Parliament. With a Bachelor's degree in English Literature, Sarhan brings a unique blend of linguistic finesse and analytical prowess to his reporting. Specializing in foreign affairs, human rights, civil liberties, and security issues, he delves deep into the intricacies of global politics to provide insightful commentary and in-depth coverage. Beyond the world of journalism, Sarhan is an avid traveler, exploring new cultures and cuisines, and enjoys unwinding with a good book or indulging in outdoor adventures whenever possible.
