The Dutch Soil Quality Decree (Besluit bodemkwaliteit) imposes conditions on the use of soil, dredging spoil and building materials on or in the ground or in surface water. In most cases, you must report the use of building materials, soil and dredging spoil. Where and when you must report this depends on the use. In many cases, you must report to the Soil Quality Reporting CentreExternal link (Meldpunt bodemkwaliteit, Rijkswaterstaat Environment).
You must demonstrate the quality of building materials, soil and dredging spoil with an environmental health statement. For building materials, you must also have a delivery note. You keep these documents for five years.
Please note: The technical requirements imposed by the Netherlands as regards building materials, soil and dredging spoil differ from those of other EU Member States. If building materials, soil and dredging spoil are already permitted in another EU Member State, the Dutch government may only prohibit their sale in the Netherlands in exceptional cases.
If you want your business to process polluted soil and dredge spoil, you must meet requirementsExternal link (in Dutch) with regard to technology, training and experience. For example, your business must have (and work in accordance with) a quality system that complies with NEN-EN-ISO 9001:2008, ISO 14001 or 17025. In addition, certain combinations of activities may not be carried out by the same employee. Soil and dredge spoil processing companies must notify Rijkswaterstaat EnvironmentExternal link (in Dutch) about any changes to locations.
If you want to deposit non-dangerous dredge spoil on land, you need a permit from the provincial authorities. In the permit, the provincial authorities will specify the environmental protection measures you have to take. You are not allowed to deposit dangerous dredge spoil at a dredge spoil dump on land.
You can notify your intention to use soil, dredge spoil or building materials to Rijkswaterstaat Environment online via Message Box. Message Box is a secure e-mail system that enables you as an entrepreneur to exchange digital messages with Dutch government agencies.