The former Cokeries du Brabant factory, active from 1927 to 1974, contaminated the soil and groundwater in the area. Later, Total occupied the site for fuel storage. After the cessation of Total's operations in 2006, mineral oil and volatile aromatics remained in the soil, in addition to historical pollution.
De Vlaamse Waterweg coordinates the multi-phase soil remediation. Works on the former Total site, carried out by DEME on behalf of Montea and WDP, took place from spring 2023 to autumn 2024.
Pascal Maebe from OVAM likens the remediation to a marathon, successfully completed thanks to collaboration and clear agreements. Filip Boelaert of De Vlaamse Waterweg nv emphasizes that the concession to Montea and WDP promotes water transport, crucial for a 'modal shift'.
The brownfield covenant, a partnership between De Vlaamse Waterweg, WDP-Montea, VLAIO, OVAM, and the municipality of Grimbergen, encourages the redevelopment of polluted sites. This policy contributes to sustainable spatial development and prevents the encroachment on open space.
On the southern part of the site, Caterpillar is active, and next to it, Saint-Gobain Weber Benelux. On the northern part, where Total previously operated, the soil has been purified. WDP-Montea will soon lay the foundation stone for a water-bound distribution center with 51,507 m² of rentable space, ideal for companies with waterborne transport needs.
Kristof De Witte of WDP-Montea highlights the strategic location on the Brussels-Scheldt Sea Canal and proximity to the container terminal in Vilvoorde. Michiel Van Damme from VLAIO views the project as crucial for addressing the growing scarcity of space for large-scale economic activities in Flanders.
Mayor Bart Laeremans is pleased that the zone has been remediated and monitored by OVAM and Zorg Vlaanderen, offering reassurance to local residents. Dirk Ponnet of DEME Environmental reports that 140,000 tons of soil were processed, with 50,000 tons reused, and that the complex remediation was completed at a guaranteed cost.
