Q&A elevated levels of PFAS in sewer system Vlieland

As a resident or guest of Vlieland, will I come into contact with these elevated levels of PFAS? The elevated levels of PFAS flow through the sewer system to the sewage treatment plant. As a resident or guest, you do not come into direct contact with this. When Wetterskip Fryslân discharges the treated water into the surface water, the Wadden Sea, these elevated amounts of PFAS are already diluted, and they dilute further in the surface water. Source: Wetterskip Fryslân

Are there health risks due to the detected PFAS in the sewer on Vlieland? The elevated levels of PFAS flow through the sewer to the sewage treatment plant. As a resident or guest, you do not come into direct contact with this. Since all measurements of the effluent from the sewage treatment plant are below the risk threshold for swimming and irrigation, there is no health risk present. The risk threshold for fish consumption is exceeded nationwide at almost all locations, so the RIVM advice is: eat a varied diet, just as it applies to eggs. Source: GGD Fryslân

Can I still camp safely on Vlieland? Yes, you can! The elevated levels of PFAS flow through the sewer to the sewage treatment plant. As a camper, you do not come into direct contact with this. When Wetterskip Fryslân discharges the treated water into the surface water, the Wadden Sea, these elevated amounts of PFAS are already diluted, and they dilute further in the surface water. Source: Wetterskip Fryslân

Is the quality of drinking water on Vlieland at risk? After detecting the PFAS levels in the influent of the sewage treatment plant on Vlieland, immediate contact was made with Vitens. Vitens also analyzes their pumped water (raw water) for PFAS. They do not see elevated concentrations in it. Source: Vitens

What levels of PFAS have been found in the sewer on Vlieland? On average, more than 100 ng/L PFAS (sum of 28 PFAS) is found in the influents of the 27 sewage treatment plants of Wetterskip Fryslân. On Vlieland, an average of almost 200 ng/L has been measured. It is particularly noticeable that PFOS is present in higher amounts compared to the other sewage treatment plants. Source: Wetterskip Fryslân

What are the consequences of the detected levels for the aquatic life in the Wadden Sea? Since the effluent from the sewage treatment plant flows into the Wadden Sea, PFAS also enters the Wadden Sea from this route. Due to the vast area of the Wadden Sea, the concentration is greatly diluted. In the immediate vicinity of the effluent pipe, any negative effects cannot be ruled out, but this applies to all discharge points where foreign substances are discharged. Source: GGD Fryslân

Am I at greater risk of coming into contact with PFAS on Vlieland than elsewhere in the Netherlands? No, PFAS is all around us and is a worldwide problem. Elevated levels of PFAS have been detected in the sewage water on Vlieland, which you do not normally come into contact with. In the sewage treatment plant, it is already diluted, and once the effluent is discharged, it dilutes to such an extent that there are no longer elevated levels. Source: RIVM and GGD Fryslân

Within what distance from the discharge pipe is it safe to swim? There is no exact distance to mention. But as soon as the treated sewage water comes into contact with the surface water, the dilution process begins. However, it is always wise to swim at official swimming spots, and the waters around the discharge pipes are not. The official swimming locations can be found on zwemwater.nl. Source: GGD Fryslân

Is the source of the contamination already known? Elevated PFAS concentrations have been measured in three sewage pumping stations on Vlieland: at Lange Paal, Stortemelk, and Duinkersoord. At this moment, we do not yet know the sources of these elevated PFAS concentrations. Further research should provide clarity. The municipality of Vlieland has also sampled surface water near Stortemelk. The analysis results are not yet known. Source: FUMO

What is being done to find the source? Wetterskip, together with the municipality of Vlieland and FUMO, has conducted a historical source investigation. This has not yet led to an actual source or exclusion of sources. It has been decided to sample behind the sewage pumping stations in the municipal sewer. We hope to exclude certain directions with this. The next step in the process is to take samples behind the sewage pumping stations in the sewer and, while awaiting those results, continue to search for a possible source. The municipality of Vlieland has also taken additional surface water samples. The results of these are not yet known. Source: Wetterskip/municipality of Vlieland/FUMO

Is Defense the source? The initial investigation shows elevated levels in the sewage pumping station at De Lange Paal, where the training area on Vlieland is connected, but we also find elevated levels in the other sewage pumping stations. Of the three elevated measurement points, the value measured at De Lange Paal is the lowest. All measurement points will be sampled again shortly. Source: FUMO

How big is the problem of PFAS pollution in the Netherlands? PFAS pollution is a worldwide problem, with elevated concentrations around industrial areas, water treatment plants, and historical landfills.

What is the government doing at the national level to tackle PFAS? The government is working on stricter standards for PFAS discharges and is investigating methods to remediate pollution. In addition, legislation is being developed at the European level.

How dangerous is PFAS compared to other environmental problems? PFAS is one of the larger environmental problems due to its persistence and harmful effects. However, it is less acute than, for example, nitrogen or CO2 emissions, but it has long-term consequences.

Can animals that drink surface water, such as livestock or pets, be at risk? In principle, animals can absorb PFAS by drinking contaminated water. It might be wise not to let your animals drink from the surface water untill we know the results of the samples. 

I am concerned about PFAS, is there anything I can do? You can hardly avoid contact with PFAS. These substances are present in many places around us. You can pay attention to whether there are PFAS in the consumer products you buy. And eat a varied diet. This prevents you from frequently consuming food with a large amount of PFAS. Source: Rijksoverheid.nl

Where can I find more information about PFAS and the measurements and research on Vlieland? You can find more information about PFAS and the research on the following websites:

• RIVM website
• Wetterskip Fryslân website
• FUMO website