Verhoeve purifies groundwater at site of R4 works in Ghent

Published Oct. 16, 2024

As part of the complete reconstruction of the R4 around Ghent, preparatory work is to be carried out between Ghent-North and Zelzate in the coming years. At several intersections, utility pipes will have to be rerouted, which means that the groundwater will have to be lowered locally by means of drainage.

Along this 30-km stretch, several groundwater contaminants (PFAS, among others) are present, requiring treatment of the pumped water.

Groundwater treatment plants

Commissioned by Besix, Verhoeve is providing the necessary groundwater treatment plants (up to 50 m3/h) for this purpose, consisting of various components such as buffers, sand filters and carbon filters.

To this end, Verhoeve, in close consultation with Besix, provided customization of new buffers (20 units), various control containers of its own design and make) and deployment of various small equipment.

First installation

The first plant was started up in July 2024, the next one has already been mobilized and will be commissioned in early November. After rerouting the utility lines, several WWTPs should also be provided during the effective reconstruction of the R4.

Collaboration

Besix and Verhoeve have the commitment to carry this out completely together so that we will be busy here until 2030 installing and maintaining the necessary installations. Through this great cooperation, a solution can be offered to the PFAS problem around the R4.