Environmental services are failing to perform sufficient environmental inspections, mainly due to a lack of expert personnel. As a result, some environmental services do not meet the requirements set by municipalities and provinces. This is evident from an analysis of the annual reports of 29 environmental services by regional broadcasters and NOS.
Why this is important:
Environmental agencies play a crucial role in supervising companies that handle hazardous substances. Without adequate oversight, harmful substances such as chemical wastes, heavy metals, PFAS, and other toxic substances can enter the environment.
Environmental services are tasked with licensing, monitoring and enforcement at companies. Their control includes compliance with environmental rules at high-risk companies that work with hazardous substances, for example at Tata Steel. They also monitor the discharge of harmful substances such as PFAS, the removal of asbestos and compliance with environmental regulations in both the construction and agricultural sectors.
Concerning
When controls are lacking or inadequate, there is a risk that companies will exceed the permitted amounts of substances. As a result, standards for discharges may be violated more quickly, with harmful consequences for the environment.
The shortages of specialists are worrisome. Without sufficient knowledge, it is difficult to determine which substances are present and to correctly assess the associated risks. These risks include substances that can enter our bodies through the environment, such as through drinking water and fruit.
Higher salaries
The largest environmental service, DCMR in Rotterdam, hired more external staff due to the shortages, costing nearly 6.4 million euros last year. Other services are also taking similar measures. Omgevingsdienst Flevoland, Gooi and Vechtstreek is trying to become more attractive as an employer by offering higher salaries that can compete with those of commercial companies.
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