The ordinance defines the soil planning area with its three sub-areas, which have different levels of heavy metal contamination, and standardizes the remediation, protection or restriction measures required for the individual sub-areas. It also regulates the handling of soil material contaminated with typical resin. Recommendations for cultivation, consumption and behavior are also given.

One advantage of the ordinance is that it relieves landowners of the obligation to have their land tested; soil tests will only have to be carried out in individual cases. Property owners can choose the appropriate measure for their specific property, depending on the local soil contamination typical of the Harz region and actual use. The provisions of the ordinance promote the cultivation of healthy food on agricultural land and in private kitchen gardens.

The Environment Department offers all those affected the opportunity to find out about the new ordinance and how to deal with heavy metal contamination directly. The text of the ordinance and the annexes to the ordinance can be downloaded here.