What are PFAS and what does this mean for HHNK?

PFAS is a collective term for thousands of chemical substances that repel moisture, grease, and dirt. They are used in items such as rainwear, pans, and paint.

PFAS are toxic and end up in the environment through use and waste streams. They also end up in the soil and water. As a water authority, we therefore have to deal with these substances.

What does HHNK do? 

We try to prevent PFAS from entering the soil and water as much as possible. 

  • We comply with national legislation on PFAS.  
  • We monitor water quality and, in accordance with the Water Framework Directive, conduct measurements for PFOS and other substances in the management area. 
  • We monitor locations where exceedances of standards are to be expected, such as airports, firefighting training grounds, and fire stations. 
  • We conduct preliminary investigations at dredging sites. If sites are suspected, we carry out further investigations.  
  • We monitor PFAS in wastewater. 
  • There is a nationwide study into the removal of PFAS in treatment plants. We are closely monitoring this study. So far, it appears that removing PFAS from wastewater is not a cost-effective approach.
  • We conduct research into water quality at officially designated swimming locations.

Exceedances of standards

We investigate the origin and potential sources when we detect exceedances of standards in surface water. For example, we are currently investigating ten landfills that may be leaching PFAS. The soil at the site of a former fire station in Zaandam is contaminated with PFAS. This site is being remediated. 

Careful dredging operations

Before we carry out dredging work, we always conduct a preliminary investigation of the waterbed. Based on this, we determine whether PFAS testing is necessary. In our working area, there have been no health or environmental risks from PFAS in dredged material to date. 

Until recently, there were no standards for PFAS. That is why the national government, in collaboration with the Union of Water Boards and other parties, drew up a temporary framework for action on PFAS. This framework was finalized by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management at the end of last year. It sets out how work involving soil and dredged material containing PFAS can be carried out in a safe and environmentally responsible manner.