Mayor warns of PFAS contamination near Groningen Airport Eelde
The mayor of Tynaarlo, Marcel Thijsen, issued a warning to residents near Groningen Airport Eelde regarding high levels of PFAS contamination found in the area’s soil and drainage water. The warning follows recent findings that identified elevated PFAS concentrations in the water and ground near the airport, specifically at the former training site of the airport fire brigade, located at the Bongveentje, according to RTV Drenthe.
According to municipal and provincial authorities, the contamination poses no immediate danger to drinking water in the region. “The groundwater and surface water near the airport, to our knowledge, do not come into contact with drinking water supplies,” a statement from Tynaarlo and the Province of Drenthe confirmed. “No food product is under stricter control than drinking water,” they emphasized.
PFAS, a group of over 6,000 human-made chemicals, are known for their water-, dirt-, and grease-resistant properties and have been used in a variety of industries, including firefighting foams. Some PFAS compounds, such as PFOS and PFOA, have been banned due to their harmful environmental and health effects.
The Environment Service Drenthe is conducting an investigation into the contamination, which reportedly stems from firefighting foam that historically contained high levels of PFAS. The local authorities are working closely with GGD Drenthe, the regional water boards Hunze and Aa’s, Noorderzijlvest, and Waterbedrijf Groningen to understand the full extent of the contamination and its long-term effects. The sources of PFAS, their spread, and their environmental impact are all subjects of ongoing research.
Residents near the airport are advised not to use water from the Bongveentje or the surrounding ditches for irrigation. The authorities also caution against allowing animals to drink from or swim in these waters, and they recommend refraining from eating fish caught in the area. Although there is currently no acute health threat, officials are urging the community to avoid using the water for any purpose until further investigations are completed.
In 2023, PFAS was detected in the soil and groundwater near the former fire station at the airport. Based on these findings, Groningen Airport Eelde has developed a remediation plan, which is under review by the Province of Drenthe. Additionally, the Noorderzijlvest Water Board has found PFAS contamination in the Runsloot, a canal located at the end of the airport’s runway, and further investigation is underway to determine its cause.
To address concerns, the municipality of Tynaarlo has announced it will host an informational meeting for residents of the Eelde area. During this meeting, locals will have the opportunity to ask questions about the PFAS contamination and the steps being taken to resolve the issue.
