State of soil pollution risks: understanding and anticipating for safer land
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Time to read 7 min
Summary
Introduction What is a soil pollution risk assessment? Why establish a soil pollution risk assessment? Types of pollution covered The regulatory framework for soil pollution risk assessments How to obtain a soil pollution risk assessment? When is it mandatory? The consequences of not having a risk assessment Pouryère's expertise: from diagnosis to risk understanding Summary table: the steps of a complete diagnosis Why a soil pollution risk assessment is essential Conclusion Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Why trust Pouryère for your soil analysis? To learn more
Introduction
Before buying land, building a house, or developing an agricultural site, it is essential to understand the risks of soil pollution . This document, often overlooked by the general public, can nevertheless help avoid costly and sometimes dangerous problems.
Indeed, thousands of plots of land in France have been used for industrial, artisanal, or agricultural activities that may have contaminated the soil. Certain types of pollution, such as heavy metals, hydrocarbons, solvents, and pesticides, can remain present for decades, impacting human health, the environment, and land values.
At Pouryère , we support individuals, communities, and businesses in understanding and managing these risks . Through our soil analyses and remediation expertise, we help identify potential pollution and propose appropriate solutions.
What is the state of risk for soil pollution?
His objective:
Inform the buyer or tenant of the possible presence of pollutants in the soil , based on publicly available data, including:
- the BASIAS database (inventory of former industrial sites);
- the BASOL database (polluted sites requiring state action);
- soil information sectors (SIS) defined by the prefectures.
In summary, the ERPS is an administrative snapshot of the level of environmental risk of a site.
Why establish a risk assessment for soil pollution?
This document has several essential purposes:
- Protecting future occupants : avoiding exposure to toxic substances;
- Preventing legal conflicts : by clearly informing about the environmental situation of the property;
- Ensuring transparency in real estate transactions ;
- To guide technical assessments prior to construction or rehabilitation;
- To help with the sustainable management of the territory by identifying areas at risk.
In practice, the ERPS is integrated into the Technical Diagnostic File (DDT) in the same way as the asbestos diagnosis or the energy performance diagnosis (DPE).
The types of pollution concerned
The assessment of soil pollution risks focuses on all forms of contamination that could alter the quality of the soil, air or water.
| Type of pollution | Main origin | Associated risks |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy metals (lead, mercury, arsenic) | Former industries, foundries, batteries | Chronic toxicity, neurological damage |
| Hydrocarbons | Gas stations, garages, oil depots | Water pollution, fire risk |
| Pesticides and nitrates | Intensive agriculture | Food contamination, eutrophication |
| Solvents and chemicals | Industrial cleaning, chemicals, printing | Toxic fumes, seepage into groundwater |
| Polluted waste and fill | Illegal dumps, old construction sites | Health risks, soil degradation |
These pollutants can combine and make remediation complex. Hence the importance of an accurate diagnosis before any land use.
The regulatory framework for the state of risk of soil pollution
Since 2019, French law has strengthened environmental information obligations.
SIS: Soil Information Sectors
Created by the decree of October 26, 2015 , the SIS identify lands where pollution is known or suspected.
- If a property is located in a SIS, the seller or landlord must provide an ERPS .
- In the event of construction or change of use, a supplementary soil study is often required.
The role of the BASOL and BASIAS databases
- BASOL : lists polluted sites requiring public intervention.
- BASIAS : inventories former industrial sites, even if pollution has not been confirmed.
These bases allow us to assess the potential level of risk before undertaking a real estate project.
How to obtain a risk assessment for soil pollution?
The document can be obtained in several ways:
- Through an approved service provider : some specialized companies, such as Pouryère , carry out a complete soil analysis and can assist you in preparing the application.
- By consulting the public databases (BASOL, BASIAS, SIS) available on the website of the Ministry of Ecological Transition.
- By the seller or landlord : he has an obligation to provide it in the technical diagnostic file.
This document is valid for 6 months from its date of issue.
When is it mandatory?
A soil pollution risk assessment is mandatory:
- when selling or renting a property located in a SIS ;
- for building or development permits on land classified as at risk;
- in the context of a change of use (e.g., transformation of a former industrial site into a residential area).
On the other hand, it is not required for land not located in a risk area, although a voluntary analysis is still strongly advised before any planting or construction.
The consequences of a lack of ERPS
Failure to provide a soil pollution risk assessment can have serious legal consequences:
- Cancellation of the sale or rental ;
- Request for price reduction ;
- Seller's civil liability for hidden defects;
- Building permit refused if pollution is detected later.
If contamination is discovered after purchase, the cleanup costs can amount to tens of thousands of euros .
Pouryère's expertise: from diagnosis to risk understanding
At Pouryère , we go beyond simple administrative observation.
We offer:
- Precise soil analyses (sampling, tests in an accredited laboratory);
- A comprehensive report indicating the nature and level of pollution;
- Personalized advice to adapt your project (construction, culture, development);
- Long-term support to monitor soil development and prevent future risks.
Our mission: to make the reading of the state of soil pollution risks accessible and useful to everyone — from individuals to professionals.
Summary table: the steps of a complete diagnosis
Before detailing the actions to be taken, here is a clear and structured table summarizing the different stages of a complete soil diagnosis and their usefulness:
| Stage | Description | Objective |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Documentary research | Consultation of public databases (SIS, BASOL, BASIAS) | Identify the risk areas |
| 2. Visual inspection of the site | Observation of the terrain, vegetation, and runoff water | Detecting the obvious signs of pollution |
| 3. Soil sampling and analysis | Surface and subsurface sampling | Quantify the pollutants present |
| 4. Analysis and Interpretation Report | Clear presentation of the results | Understanding the nature of the risk |
| 5. Recommendations and follow-up | Proposed actions (pollution control, phytoremediation, containment) | Securing and enhancing the value of the land |
Why a soil pollution risk assessment is essential
To better understand the importance of a risk assessment, here are the main concrete advantages it provides :
It protects your health and that of your loved ones ;
It preserves the value of your real estate assets ;
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It reduces legal and financial risks ;
It promotes environmental transparency ;
It allows for sustainable management of territories .
At Pouryère , we believe that understanding your soil is already taking action for the planet.
Conclusion
The assessment of soil pollution risks is much more than an administrative formality: it is a guarantee of safety, transparency and sustainability .
It helps to understand the environmental issues related to a site, to protect the health of the occupants, and to avoid unforeseen costs.
Thanks to Pouryère , you can:
- To obtain a clear and reliable diagnosis;
- Understanding the results without jargon;
- Receive personalized advice to take effective action.
Having your soil analyzed means choosing prevention over repair , to build on sound foundations — literally and figuratively.
The author of the article: Joseph OLIVIER
Joseph Olivier is an entrepreneur in the environmental sector. Originally from Nantes, he trained in waste management before creating a circular economy consulting firm . In 2022, he co-founded Pouryère with the ambition of addressing citizens' concerns about soil quality in France and access to environmental data.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is a soil pollution risk assessment mandatory for all real estate properties?
No, it is only mandatory for properties located in a soil information sector (SIS). However, Pouryère recommends establishing one as a preventative measure, even outside of an SIS, to determine the quality of the land.
How can I find out if my land is affected by a SIS?
You can consult the interactive map of SIS (Site Information System) on the website of the Ministry of Ecological Transition. If your land is located there, you must provide an ERPS (State of Risks and Pollution) when selling or renting it.
What is the difference between a soil pollution risk assessment and a pollution diagnosis?
The ERPS is an administrative declaration based on public databases.
The pollution diagnosis , on the other hand, relies on concrete analyses of soil samples , carried out by specialists like Pouryère. The two are complementary.
What should be done if the risk assessment indicates proven pollution?
Pouryère offers comprehensive analyses and natural or technical pollution control solutions depending on the type of pollution identified.
Is the risk assessment valid indefinitely?
No, it is valid for 6 months from its date of issue. In the event of a subsequent transaction or project, it must be updated.
Why trust Pouryère for your soil analysis?
Comprehensive support, from sampling to interpretation
Pouryère supports you throughout the entire soil analysis process. Our sampling kits come with a comprehensive guide to walk you through the process. Once you've completed the analysis, simply send us your samples for full analysis and interpretation, which takes approximately ten days.
Solutions for individuals, farmers, communities and businesses
Each soil analysis kit is specialized and pursues a specific purpose:
To go further
What are the causes of soil pollution?
Soil pollution solution: taking effective action for a healthy site
Consequences of soil pollution: understanding, preventing and taking action
