Soil quality

Performance of environmental studies on risk sites

For the DGO4, the ISSeP evaluates the environmental status of derelict industrial sites (SAR, SRPE) based on historic surveys carried out most often by the Ulg Centre of History and Techniques (CHST). The institute performs studies on the soils at these sites to check the pollution level. These initial investigation stages are, in some cases, followed by more comprehensive studies (characterisation, risks) offering an optimum rehabilitation strategy which considers the development plan for the site when the operator has a preliminary draft. This can be used to guide the development project by considering the environmental situation of the site studied.
The ISSeP also provides technical support for the DGO4 during rehabilitation works concerning these brownfield sites.

Technical support for the soil and waste department

In the context of its support mission for the soil and waste department of the DGO3, the ISSeP offers a technical opinion on the studies carried out by approved experts. These opinions relate to investigations carried out and interpretation of the results by the expert as well as risk modelling. Requests from the administration may relate to any stage of the process: Orientation, Characterisation Study, Sanitation Project, Final Report. This advice is intended for the DSD (Soil Protection Department – DPS or Soil Sanitation Department – DAS) so that the agents involved have the elements required to process the files.
These requests may also concern the drafting of specific protocols when the administration deems this to be necessary.

Walloon code of good practices, CWBP

In the context of the introduction of the “soils” decree, the ISSeP actively participated in the development of the Walloon Code of Good Practices (CWBP) through the drafting and revision of the Reference Guides for Orientation Studies (GREO), Characterisation Studies (GREC), the Remediation Project (GRPA), the Final Evaluation (GREF) and the revision of the Reference Guide for Risk Studies (GRER).
Both the Walloon Compendium of Sampling and Analysis Methods (CWEA) and the CWBP are evolving documents. The administration plans to publish versions of these works, to correct the possible pitfalls of the methodologies described and to amend them using new protocols.
In addition, training for approved experts is also planned for explaining the different methodologies and directions in the guides. The ISSeP offers the administration technical support for the updating and organisation of training.

Thematic correspondent for soil quality: Robin Lambotte – 04 229 83 37