Demolition

What is it?

Excavation means to excavate and thereby lower the soil. This applies to land (the ground level) and the water bottom. In the process, you remove a layer of soil such as clay, peat, sand or gravel. Examples of excavation are:

  • sand mining
  • water storage
  • nature development

Anyone who is going to excavate the soil needs an excavation permit.

How does it work?

Requirements to obtain a de-risking permit include:

  • the excavation complies with the environmental plan
  • the owner of the land gives permission for the excavation

No permit required

You do not need to apply for a permit for the following work in soil:

  • construction and maintenance of waterways (no wider than 15 meters and no deeper than 3 meters)
  • normal agricultural, horticultural or forestry work
  • planting and grubbing of trees, shrubs or other crops
  • construction of buildings
  • maintaining or clearing structures, basements, graves
  • drill into the ground
  • clearing of pipes, poles and cables
  • making, maintaining or clearing wells, reservoirs, basins and similar works

What to do.

  • Discuss your plans with the municipality first. The municipality can tell you who is the manager of the soil you want to excavate. This may be the Department of Public Works or the province.
  • Then apply for the permit through the environment counter. Sometimes you do not need to apply for a permit but only need to file a notification.
    If you want to know what rules apply to this area, check the Environment Counter, rules on the Map.
  • The administrator makes a draft decision on your application. This decision can be viewed at the municipality. Anyone can give their opinion on it within 6 weeks. If you disagree with the draft decision, please state why you disagree with the decision.
  • You will automatically be notified whether you will receive the permit. 

What do I need?

You will provide the following information with your application:

  • type of work you want to perform and location (address)
  • amount and depth of excavation
  • type of material you will be excavating
  • date you will begin excavation and the (estimated) duration
  • address information and permission of the landowner

How long does it take?

You will receive notification from us within 8 weeks. The municipality can extend this period by 6 weeks. Sometimes we need advice and permission from another organization (competent authority). Then an additional 4 weeks will be added.

Objecting

Do you disagree with the municipality's decision?
Then file an objection within 6 weeks.

Additional information

  • For excavation in the North Sea and in the "wet portions" of the riverbed, a permit must be obtained from the Department of Public Works.
  • For excavation in national waters, you must apply for an excavation permit from the Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment

Damages

If you have been harmed by the issuance, modification or revocation of a permit for excavation, you may be eligible for compensation. You can seek compensation from the agency that issued, modified or revoked the excavation permit.