The remediation works at the Bekaert site are in full swing.
In this news update, we explain the recent works and provide a preview of the next steps in the process.
In the autumn of 2023, a temporary loading and unloading quay was constructed at the site. To minimise the impact of construction traffic on local roads as much as possible, the supply of materials is organised primarily by ship. To ensure a safe crossing for cyclists and pedestrians along the banks of the Scheldt, a bicycle tunnel was built.
In addition, a low-permeability vertical wall has been installed around the site. This wall extends down to the Boom clay layer and ensures the vertical containment of the area. In the autumn, all contaminated material in the north-western corner of the site was also excavated down to the Boom clay and replaced with clean fill soil.
Over the coming months, the site will be regraded and the various protective layers will be installed. These consist of a clay layer, a drainage layer, and a topsoil layer above that. The required materials will be delivered in phases over time. Part of the clay and soil is already stockpiled on site and will soon be used. The clay is transported by ship via the Scheldt; this solution will ultimately avoid the traffic of approximately 50,000 lorries by the end of the remediation works.
A crushing campaign is also scheduled for the spring to process demolished materials into recycled aggregates, which will be used for the construction of the drainage layer.
The remediation works are scheduled to be completed in the autumn of 2024. To accelerate the development of the park, a first phase of the remediation works will already be completed in the summer of 2024.
