Transnational workshop CityChlor: integrated approach proving vital!

November 22nd, 2010

On 16 November 2010, the first transnational workshop of the CityChlor project took place in Paris. The aim of this European project is to improve the quality and minimise the pollution of soil and groundwater by developing an integrated approach to addressing the threats caused by contamination by chlorinated solvents in urban areas. It deals with technological innovation as well as risk management approaches, cost-benefit and financing mechanisms, risk communication and community involvement.

The workshop was attended by interested parties of various backgrounds from all over North-West Europe. They were very enthusiastic about CityChlor’s integrated approach to addressing the threats caused by contamination by chlorinated solvents in urban areas. The attendees received information about the project and its objectives as well as the progress to date. The strengths and weaknesses of the participating countries and the different aspects of the integrated approach were also illustrated.

Attendees at the transnational workshop

Similar projects and collaboration
Keynote speakers from similar projects in Europe and the US also updated the attendees on their projects. Gabriele Büring from ChloroNet: “We deal with the same questions, so collaboration will help us all.” Douglas Oliver from MWH talked about the problems MWH faces in similar project in the US. Philippe Billiet from the GESSOL programme concluded: “The question is no longer why, but how an integrated approach should be adopted”.

Interactivity
Certain points surfaced frequently during the group discussions. Questions such as ‘what is the best way to organise this integrated approach?’ and ‘how can I put words into action?’ will be challenges for CityChlor to answer.

Keep informed and get involved
All presentations of the workshop will be published on this website. You can also subscribe for our newsletter via our site, or follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/CityChlor. The discussions held during the workshop will be continued on our LinkedIn group so please join the debate and get involved in CityChlor!