Soil protection and contaminated sites
Our soil fulfills important functions in the natural balance. It is integrated into water and nutrient cycles and acts as a filter for our groundwater. Last but not least, the soil forms an important basis for agriculture and forestry.
Land consumption
Our soils have developed over a very long period of time as a result of physical, chemical and biological processes.
Soil cannot be reproduced. If it has lost its original function due to land sealing or material input, it is usually difficult to regenerate. Careful and economical use of soil is therefore essential with a view to future generations.
In regions with positive economic development and population growth, there is an ongoing need for land for settlement and urban development.
The use of agricultural or other open spaces should be avoided as far as possible by closing gaps between buildings, compact development and the use of existing roads.
This conflict is considered and weighed up accordingly as part of environmental impact assessments for projects or the preparation of environmental reports in urban land-use planning.
Avoidance of harmful soil changes
Harmful soil changes are impairments of soil functions that can result in hazards, significant disadvantages or nuisances for individuals or the general public.
This includes, for example, pollutant inputs from industry and traffic as well as sealing, compaction, erosion and salinization.
Land may only be used in such a way that no harmful changes to the soil are caused.
The lower soil protection authority can order measures to prevent or eliminate harmful soil changes.
In agricultural land use, the precautionary duty is fulfilled by so-called "good professional practice". This includes, among other things
- Avoiding soil compaction through the use of machinery
- erosion control through ground cover and cultivation across the slope, planting hedges and the like
- Increasing the biological activity of the soil through crop rotation
- Increasing the humus content by adding organic matter
Contaminated site investigation
The Lower Soil Protection Authority maintains the Thuringian Contaminated Sites Information System (THALIS) for the city of Jena. It records the areas whose former use provides evidence of the presence of harmful soil changes and which may pose a risk to individuals or the general public.
As part of the investigation of contaminated sites, a historical investigation of the site is usually carried out on the basis of files, maps or aerial photographs as well as contemporary witness reports. These provide initial indications of possible contamination of the soil or groundwater.
A final risk assessment is only possible after in-depth geological investigations. This will be arranged by the responsible soil protection authority. Based on this, decisions are made on how to proceed.
In some cases, the suspected contaminated site is not confirmed and the site can be deleted from THALIS.
The Lower Soil Protection Authority provides information on suspected contaminated sites in the city on request. It also supervises urban remediation measures. You can find more information on the city's service portal: Contaminated site information.