ABSTRACT
This chapter briefly explains the essence of the Dutch law on soil protection. Implementation of the law on soil protection requires a legal framework to judge the protection of the soil form undesirable effects. As a reference, such a judicial system requires both qualitative and quantitative criteria on chemical, physical and biological soil properties. For instance, the natural levels of metals in soil can vary substantially. It is also important to consider in how far non-compliance with the reference values should be considered irreparable. Non-compliance may also be temporary, for instance as a result of agricultural practices. The object of soil remediation, according to the law on soil protection in the Netherlands is to restore the multi-functionality of the soil.
