Based on the environmental protection act and the contaminated sites ordinance, the cantons are obligated to develop a new, publicly accessible "Cadastre of contaminated sites" (KbS) by the end of 2003. This work is currently underway and varies as to how far it has advanced.

While the landfill and accident sites have already been recorded to a great extent in so-called "Cadastres recording areas suspected of contamination", there is still a need for action in particular for (former) factory sites. Here we must assume there are many additional entries to be made.

The cantons are collecting information about the sites through internal archive researching and by questioning community officials. However, all owners of (potentially) contaminated sites are also being included in this process. It is compulsory that they receive the option of making a statement, making clarifications themselves, or even initiating legal steps before a definitive entry into the cadastre of contaminated sites is made. Depending on the situation, it is possible to limit the cadastre entry to partial areas of the property or even to effect a non-entry.

In the event you yourself are the owner of a contaminated site, our scientists and lawyers can support you with the following services:

• Assessment of the site information from the environmental authorities.
• Execution of historical and technical examinations.
• Legal advice for drafting statements, applications for deletion from the cadastre and legal remedies.
• Legal representation in public authorities proceedings. Ecosens offers you comprehensive inherited burden advice. Our strengths are expert employees in the fields required, an entrepreneurial viewpoint, knowledge of the proceedings procedures under public law and creative approaches to solutions.