Soil and groundwater contamination

Contaminated sites are former factory sites or landfills from which pollutants have entered the soil and groundwater. In Bremen, the Senator for the Environment, Climate and Science is responsible for investigating the soil and groundwater, for example in children's playgrounds, domestic gardens, parks and other recreational areas. If pollutants are found, we are informed. Our task is to find out whether the pollutants pose a risk to human health.

What types of groundwater contamination are there and where can pollutants be found in groundwater?

When we find pollutants in groundwater, they are often solvents that were previously used in dry cleaning or industrial plants, for example. These include so-called Highly volatile halocarbons. The substance group PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) is also sometimes found in groundwater. These can come from roofing felt factories and other industrial plants, for example.
When pollutants enter the groundwater via the soil, they can be transported underground with the groundwater and thus spread.

You can find more detailed information about pollutants in groundwater on the website of the Senator for Environment, Climate and Science. A map shows you where the groundwater in Bremen is contaminated.

What are we doing?

• If the pollutants are hazardous to health, we work with the Senator for the Environment, Climate and Science to decide what needs to be done to protect health. Depending on the individual case, further investigations may be necessary. It may also be possible to remove the contaminated soil or cover it with clean soil.
• Groundwater in Bremen is often used for watering gardens and for playing in gardens and children's playgrounds. However, if it is contaminated with pollutants, we advise against using groundwater in consultation with the Senator for the Environment, Climate and Science.

What is the legal basis?

The basis for the assessment of pollutants in the soil is the Federal Soil Protection Act and the Federal Soil Protection and Contaminated Sites Ordinance. These regulations specify the maximum permissible concentrations of pollutants in the soil so that health is not endangered.