Hello everyone,
thank you very much for the numerous responses! Do you think it makes sense to commission a soil survey before we buy the property? We have to give a binding purchase commitment within two weeks, otherwise the property will go back on the market (we were assigned it by lottery – very high demand...). We have been looking for a suitable plot for 5 years – this is now our first glimpse, which I somehow don’t want to give up...
We have meanwhile found out the limit values for arsenic according to the Soil Protection Act:
- 25 mg/kg for playgrounds
- 50 mg/kg for residential areas
- 125 mg/kg for park and recreational areas
We have 31 mg/kg, so we are between playground and residential area. The question now is how to realistically assess this, and we have these options:
a) Not to buy the plot: That’s easier said than done, because as described above, we are very attached to it for various important reasons. It’s not like we have a huge selection here in BW in the region. Of course, I also take the view "My family’s health always comes first." Whether one is shooting sparrows with cannons here is a very different question (...this always reminds me of the issue with the demonized sausage).
b) Buy the plot but replace the soil: Ultimately, this is a question of cost, which can be factored in (it’s important to realize it before signing the contracts). Does anyone have a feeling what the additional costs would be (600 m² approx. 90 m² basement, hardly any slope)?
c) Buy the plot and do nothing: Following the motto "I know nothing about it." How many people have probably saved themselves the survey or don’t read/understand it and live a happy, healthy and long life?
What would you do?
The values I have seen indicate a soil not completely free of contaminants. For example, arsenic at 30 mg/kg is already LAGA-0.
With the values I have seen, you can’t really say that this is contaminated....
As the building expert said today, you have to check the plot yourself.
My advice in the case you personally describe: Spend the €1000 (approximate price) for a survey, provided you are allowed to take the sample exactly on the plot where you want to build. You really have to hurry if you want to meet the deadline. So much for a): I would make the purchase decision dependent on the specific values. Building plots can vary from parcel to parcel.
Your heart seems attached to the plot and from what you describe I get the feeling that you would bear some additional costs and are willing to pay them.
Regarding b): Depending on the outcome of the survey, you can then do that. Calculations should then be based on facts.
Only a specialist can tell you the additional costs. Given the current situation, no one can give you an exact figure anyway. Because it depends on what the landfills currently charge (I think it’s overall LAGA-Z1 soil) and how much / which part you bring to the landfill. Also, what kind of soil is generally present and how you have to do the basement foundation (amount of gravel, etc.). You have to consider that you won’t just remove the soil in the house foundation area, but probably also in the garden if necessary.
Apart from that: You would probably need topsoil anyway – which is expensive but actually not additional costs. Only the excavation/landfill disposal of the old soil at 50-80 cm depth.
Regarding c): Never ever. That won’t go well because you can’t suppress it in the long run and would always have a bad feeling, even if it’s not justified (see a....survey).
Best regards Thorsten
