Truck operator accused of illegal dumping of contaminated soil in Zealand

A truck operator from East Zealand has, over several years, disposed of construction waste and contaminated soil on fields in Zealand without detection from authorities. Investigations reveal that Peter E. Nielsen’s trucking company has unloaded soil containing waste onto agricultural land. This issue came to the attention of local resident Henrik Pommergaard, a building consultant and operator of a family store in Nielstrup, Faxe Municipality.

Seven years ago, Pommergaard contacted Faxe Municipality to investigate the large amounts of soil being dumped on a nearby field when bizarre items like old toilets and plastic were found. From 2013 to 2017, significant waste was illegally deposited there. Recent reports have also uncovered similar contamination on a couple’s property in nearby Køge, who found over 20,000 tons of contaminated soil shortly after purchasing the land. This has raised concerns about environmental and groundwater safety.

Pommergaard noted the parallels between his own experience and the couple’s situation, emphasizing that prompt official action could have prevented the ongoing issue. Documents from Faxe Municipality indicated that no permits were obtained for dumping the soil, which was found to contain construction debris after Pommergaard’s complaints.

Experts suggest that while the waste does not immediately pose a severe risk to groundwater, improper disposal remains problematic. Despite taking soil samples in 2019 that showed no chemical contamination, the municipality acknowledged it could not guarantee the absence of pollutants.

Authorities have faced criticism for insufficient oversight, and a new investigation into the contaminated soil at both locations is underway. Residents like Pommergaard hope for increased government attention to prevent similar incidents in the future.