Exploratory societal cost–benefit analysis for PFAS in soil and groundwater: new study points the way toward effective policy
Exploratory societal cost–benefit analysis for PFAS in soil and groundwater: new study points the way toward effective policy
What are the societal and economic impact of PFAS in soil and groundwater? An exploratory study lays the foundation for further insights into the situation in Flanders.
A new OVAM study explores the possibilities of asocietal cost-benefit analysis (SCBA) for PFAS policy in Flanders, with a focus on the management of PFAS in soil and groundwater. The report maps the challenge, describes economic, health, environmental, and social effects, and applies these to two cases (soil investigation and remediation, and soil excavation and relocation). The study reveals the societal impact of different response options, from doing nothing to full remediation, and highlights which measures deliver the greatest public value, which major knowledge gaps remain, and why cleaning up heavily contaminated sites and preventing new emissions are the most cost-effective strategies.
February 25, 2026
Although prevention – avoiding PFAS entering soil and groundwater – remains important, the focus of this study is on the societal costs and benefits of managing existing contamination. Not all identified effects could be quantified or monetized; where data were available, initial estimates were made. Costs proved easier to calculate than benefits, especially regarding health effects. This leads to the risk that remediation or soil excavation and relocation is too quickly deemed unprofitable, while benefits often extend over multiple generations and are difficult to measure. Therefore, no aggregation or discounting was performed. Perceptions and social effects also play a role and deserve further attention.
The study is exploratory and should not be seen as an endpoint. It emphasizes the need for better and more consistent data collection, a broader consideration of effects, and the possible complementing of SCBA with other approaches, such as the precautionary principle, risk acceptance, and multi-attribute analysis.
Read the full study here (in Dutch with English summary)
Webinar 1 – 2026 The Australian PFAS Cauldron – Same Contaminants, Different Journey
Australia offers a highly relevant case study of how PFAS contamination challenges conventional approaches to environmental governance and risk assessment. This perspective was presented by Matthew Askeland, Principal Environmental Scientist at ADE Consulting Group, and Karl Bowles, Senior Principal Environmental Scientist at Jacobs and Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Queensland (QAEHS), both representing ALGA’s Emerging Contaminants of Concern Special Interest Group.
Webinar 2 – 2026 Drivers in the management of PFAS contaminated sites
Sweden has taken a proactive, science-based approach to managing PFAS-contaminated sites, particularly those originating from historical use of aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF) at firefighting training areas. Since 2022, the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has coordinated a governmental assignment, in collaboration with other authorities, to enhance understanding of PFAS pollution and develop effective remediation strategies. This work remains ongoing with several years of funding secured. Niclas Johansson, project manager for the Swedish government’s national initiative on PFAScontaminated sites (RUPFO), shared the project findings during the webinar.
Webinar 3 – 2026 PFAS Risk Evaluation in Soils and Excavated Materials in Flanders
Flanders has developed a practical, science-driven system for setting PFAS limits in soil and excavated materials. This approach carefully balances the protection of human health and the environment with the practical need for soil reuse. The framework was presented by Kaat Touchant and Ingeborg Joris from VITO the Flemish institute for technological research.
Webinar 4 – 2026 Emerging Contaminant Challenges in the New European Soil Monitoring Law
The European Soil Monitoring Law (Directive), published in the Official Journal on 26 November 2025 and entering into force on 16 December 2025 was presented by Esther Goidts, who is a soil scientist and seconded policy officer at the European Commission. Soils deliver critical ecosystem services—including food and biomass production, water purification, nutrient cycling, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity support—yet most European soils are degraded, with contamination contributing to annual economic costs exceeding €50 billion. The Directive represents a landmark step toward achieving healthy soils across the European Union by 2050. Developed to address widespread soil degradation, the Directive establishes a coherent, integrated framework for monitoring soil health, enhancing resilience, and managing contamination.
Save the date for the EmConSoil Webinar Series on the 21st and 28th of April and the 5th and 12th of May!
A new EmConSoil webinar series is coming! Get ready for inspiring talks, cutting-edge insights, and practical solutions from leading experts in emerging contaminants, contaminated soils and environmental sustainability. Four sessions are planned at the end of April (21st and 28th) and beginning of May (5th and 12th) 2026 each time from 9:00 till 10:00 CET.
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