Soil contamination around waste incineration plants partly above guide values
Published: Wednesday, Oct 30th 2024, 12:50
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The dioxin contamination around the waste incineration plant in Vallon VD is an isolated case. Nevertheless, the contamination with toxic dioxins and furans as well as other pollutants is above the test and guideline values at a number of incineration plants.
The state government approved the corresponding report on Wednesday, as announced. Parliament had requested this after the large-scale contamination in Vallon became known in 2021.
The report covers a total of 66 incineration plants in 18 cantons that have been in operation since 1904. This means that municipal waste is currently incinerated in 16 cantons and 29 plants.
Soil contaminated with dioxins and furans was found in the vicinity of various waste incineration plants (WIPs). Other pollutants such as heavy metals and organic compounds were also found, as the report states. It is based on a study with historical and current data from soil analyses around the plants.
The soil pollution is due to emissions in the past. Today, according to the report, pollutant emissions from the plants are very low thanks to modern technology. The Air Pollution Control Ordinance, which introduced strict emission regulations in 1986 and has improved them since then, was decisive for this.
The cantonal air pollution control authorities regularly inspect the MSWI plants. If plants were found to be non-compliant, they were remediated or shut down.
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