Contaminated areas
Sweden currently has around 85,000 identified sites that are, or are suspected to be, contaminated with hazardous substances. Many of these sites are so polluted that they pose a risk to the environment or human health. As a result, a significant number of them must be remediated before the land can be used.
Contaminated soil, water and sediments
SGI’s work on the remediation of contaminated sites
SGI is involved in the national programme for the remediation and restoration of contaminated sites. This means that we conduct our own research, enable others to carry out research in the field, develop existing technologies, identify future solutions, and disseminate knowledge to the remediation sector.
In our role as an expert authority, we primarily address other government agencies, county administrative boards, and municipalities. However, other stakeholders – such as contractors, consultants, and property owners – can also make use of our information and results.
SGI is also involved in
Landfills
There are both older and more recent landfills throughout Sweden. The type of waste that has been, or continues to be, deposited varies from site to site. The work of public authorities in regulating landfill management is essential to ensure compliance with the EU Landfill Directive and Swedish legislation.
Environmental law
The remediation of contaminated sites in Sweden is governed by the Environmental Code and aligned with Sweden’s national environmental objectives. There are numerous legal issues associated with contaminated land, and SGI participates in several forums and collaborative projects relating to environmental law.
As part of our work, SGI contributes to the county administrative boards’ legal coordination group on remediation issues, offers expert support to municipalities and county boards on legal matters, and takes part in joint initiatives related to, for example, environmentally hazardous areas.