Steel slag in Nuenen

Update March 30, 2026: Cleanup operations completed at 3 locations

Loose stones were recently removed (vacuumed up) at three locations. We did this because these three areas are located at or near playgrounds for children and teenagers, and there were many loose stones there. The locations are:

• 2. Torenakker-Laar-Akkerstraat (Gerwen)
• 5. Ter Warden (Gerwen)
• 20. Crijnsschool (Nuenen)

Slotpark Repeat Campaign 

During the week of April 20, 2026, a follow-up cleanup (removal of loose stones) will take place in Slotpark in Nuenen West.

Update February 26, 2026: inventory of locations + short-term actions

Over the past few weeks, we have conducted a detailed inventory of all locations in the municipality of Nuenen where steel slag may have been used in walking and cycling paths (semi-paving). The locations where steel slag may have been used in the paths are listed in the table below and on the overview map. We have also indicated the exact location of each location on a drawing . 

Short-term actions at 3 locations

A number of locations are located on or near playgrounds for children/young people and contain many loose stones, which is why we as a municipality have decided to take action here in the short term. As we did in December 2025 in the Slotpark, we will have the loose stones removed here, which will greatly reduce the risk of the material spreading. The locations in question are:

• 2. Torenakker-Laar-Akkerstraat (Gerwen)
• 5. Ter Warden (Gerwen)
• 20. Crijnsschool (Nuenen)

As soon as we know when the work will start, we will publish this information on our website.

Based on monitoring, we may carry out further (repeat) actions at one of these locations and/or the Slotpark. 

For the other locations, there is currently no reason to take action in the short term. In June, the city council will make a decision about the long term for all locations.

Follow-up research 

In the coming period, the 18 locations will be investigated further to determine whether and to what extent steel slag is actually present. To this end, an external environmental research agency will investigate the composition of the semi-paving: samples will be taken and examined. Depending on the results, we can determine whether further action is necessary.

Decision-making by the municipal council

The results of the environmental investigation and any follow-up actions will be presented to the municipal council so that a decision can be made and funds can be made available if necessary. A council meeting to form an opinion is planned for May 20, 2026, after which a decision is expected on June 4, 2026.

January 2026 update: presentation of the imaging evening on January 15, 2026

On Thursday, February 15, 2026, an exploratory council meeting was held, during which a presentation on steel slag was given, among other things.

Presentation on steel slag January 15, 2026

Update December 2, 2025: Suctioning up loose stones in Slotpark

On Thursday, December 4, we will start vacuuming up the loose stones on the paths in Slotpark in Nuenen West. This will be done by a specialized company. This means that temporary work will be carried out in Slotpark. The work is expected to take two working days: Thursday, December 4, and Friday, December 5.

We advise you to stay away from Slotpark during the work. After the work is completed, (most) loose stones will have been removed. The risk of the materials spreading will then be very small.

Advice: use the paths only for walking or cycling

The advice not to let children play on the paths remains valid, because contact with the hard surface of the paths can still cause complaints. As mentioned earlier, the GGD does not expect any negative health effects from normal use of the paths (walking and cycling).

For the long term, we are looking for a structural solution for all semi-paved paths in the municipality of Nuenen. Any news on this will be posted on this webpage.

Update November 6, 2025: What actions is the municipality taking?

In early November 2025, the Municipal Executive decided that, with immediate effect, no materials containing steel slag may be used within the municipality of Nuenen. 

It has also been decided in the short term to remove loose pebbles as much as possible on all paths in the municipality of Nuenen where steel slag is now used as semi-paving. This will reduce the risk of people coming into contact with the material.  

For the longer term, we are still investigating what best to do with the locations where steel slag has now been identified. When we know more about this, you will read about it on this webpage.

Do not let children play with the pebbles

In Nuenen-West's Slotpark, steel slag has been used on the walking paths(not under the playground equipment). With normal use, such as walking and cycling, there is no direct contact with the material and the GGD does not expect negative health effects. However, because many children walk and play in Slot Park, contact is less easily ruled out. The advice is to let children come into contact with the pebbles as little as possible.

Questions or more information 

Do you still have questions? Please contact us at the Customer Contact Center: (040) 2631 631. 

Or read the frequently asked questions and answers below.