In the past, the Dommel was burdened with discharges from the zinc ore processing industry in Flanders. Due to natural inundations of the Dommel, contaminated silt particles have been deposited on plots along the Dommel, causing diffuse soil contamination with heavy metals in the Dommeldal. Previous soil investigations have shown that there is a link between the degree of contamination and environmental factors such as frequency of flooding, elevation and land use. There are no human risks (direct health risks for people with normal use of the land), but there may be risks to food safety if there is consumption of certain crops grown on contaminated soil or the consumption of organ meat from animals kept on this contaminated soil. Extensive communication with the region took place at the time under the name of Actief Bodembeheer de Kempen. Extensive research was carried out into the ecological risks in 2008, the so-called Triad study. This resulted in advice on the application of risk-reducing control measures. Earthworms appear to be a crucial link in the ecological chain. The most important management measures are therefore the application of either wet nature management types (such as swamps, reed beds, humid forests, etc.) that limit the growth of earthworms, or rough/upright types (brushwood and dense vegetation) that prevent the capture of earthworms by other animals. prevent. Management types with grazing or hay meadows are not desirable.
