Soil | Land

The purpose of tradable land planning permits is to control the use of new land for settlement and transport. Municipalities would be restricted in developing greenfield land outside of existing built-up areas for new settlement and transport projects. The UBA is currently conducting a countrywide pilot project with selected municipalities.

According to the Federal Soil Protection Act (BBodSchG), contaminated sites are abandoned industrial sites or abandoned waste disposal sites that result in harmful changes to the soil or other hazards to individuals or the general public. This can be caused by
improper treatment, storage or disposal of waste and/or the improper handling of environmentally hazardous substances.

Life in all its multifarious forms would be unthinkable without the earth’s various soils, which can only assure a plentiful and healthy supply of food and drinking water if their ecology remains intact. But how can we best ensure that our soils are used judiciously and responsibly as habitats and resources? The UBA contributes to soil stewardship among other things by disseminating information.

Soil carries out myriad functions that are free of charge and extremely powerful, and that are what make soil so valuable not only to us but also to natural flora and fauna. Clean water and healthy food are only obtainable if our soils are healthy too. And while the soil supports myriad functions, it also needs stewardship.

The Federation of German Consumer Organisations (vzbv) and UBA present joint recommendations for action.

How pharmaceutical residues from sludge and slurry accumulate in the soil and what effect does this have demonstrated a workshop, the UBA held on 18 and 19 June 2013.