Site Contamination

Extensive investigations, ongoing systematic monitoring and strict statutory requirements: the handling of pollutants left over from a site’s industrial use is a big challenge, but one that can be solved. Rhystadt is doing everything in its power to ensure that the Klybeck site is developed into a green, mixed-use, climate-friendly neighbourhood.

Until around 1870, the undeveloped area between the city of Basel and the fishing village of Kleinhüningen was mainly used as pasture land. The first manufacturing plant was erected in 1864; others followed. The site, which at the time was still outside of the city, was developed gradually over time and used for the industrial manufacturing of dyes. This gave rise to the chemical and pharmaceutical industry that is important to Basel and the world today. However, this industrial use also left traces.

Today’s Situation

Due to its history, a large part of the former chemical site is listed in the cantonal register of contaminated sites as contaminated and requiring monitoring. The statutory provisions, including the Federal Environmental Protection Act and the Contaminated Sites Ordinance, set out clear guidelines for dealing with contamination.

Thanks to these extensive investigations, the planning partners have a detailed picture of the status of contamination – both in the subsoil and within the buildings. The level of contamination varies depending on the location, geological strata and previous use.

Contaminated sites
Contaminated sites are locations where the subsoil contains pollutants originating from waste, but which do not pose an immediate hazard. Contaminated sites are usually limited in size. They include disposal sites, operational sites and accident sites.

Sites requiring remediation
This refers to contamination in the subsoil that is classified as requiring remediation due to its harmful effects on people and the environment. However, there are no contaminated sites requiring remediation on the Rhystadt site areas. The areas are currently fully sealed, protecting the groundwater from infiltrating rainwater.

Extensive Documentation

The documentation regarding the Klybeck district is very extensive. Rhystadt and planning partner Swiss Life already had a large quantity of inspection results and documentation at their disposal when the site was purchased, and further investigations were commissioned after the purchase.

Together with Swiss Life, Rhystadt is making these documents available to interested members of the public so that they can get an idea for themselves of the situation on the site.

Data Room

The link takes you to the data room, where interested users can register and view documents belonging to the two site owners, Swiss Life and Rhystadt, on the current situation as regards contamination. The data room is provided by the law firm Walder Wyss. Rhystadt and Swiss Life chose this provider due to the high security requirements.

Please note that processing may take up to 24 hours on business days. The two property owners, Rhystadt and Swiss Life, will continue to publish reports when an investigation has been completed.

Data Room