The infrastructure minister has yet to give the green light to two research projects into the impact of steel slag on health and the environment, broadcaster NOS said on Wednesday.
The research is due to be carried out by public health institute RIVM following mounting concern about the use of steel slag in construction.
Steel slag, a waste product from the steel industry, has been found at at least 200 locations in the Netherlands and has come under increasing scrutiny because it can cause environmental pollution and health complaints.
Steel slag is often marketed as a building material rather than waste and is commonly used as a cheap base layer in roads, dykes and waterways. However, the public health institute RIVM said in a report in 2023 that it can release harmful substances when it comes into contact with rain or groundwater.
The environment inspectorate has also warned twice that steel slag can damage the environment, even when used according to current regulations. The national audit office has also called for action.
The use of steel slag has been halted since last year – albeit with many exceptions – and the ban is due to end in July. The then minister Thierry Aartsen announced the two research projects which, it was said at the time, could lead to the use of steel slag being banned altogether.
If the current minister does give the green light for the research, one project will take a year and the other two, RIVM told the broadcaster.
The ministry did not answer questions about why the research is not being carried out. Several local authorities have given up waiting and have imposed bans themselves.
MPs are due to debate the issue on Thursday.
