Investigation into unexploded ordnance at the Tomakker Cemetery
In 2025, Heijmans Infra—commissioned by the municipality of Nuenen—conducted a geophysical survey at the cemetery on Tomakker in Nuenen. The purpose of this survey was to discover what lies hidden beneath the ground without excavating the soil. This survey was conducted to better showcase the heritage site in the future. The survey went well, and the results are being incorporated into a report on the cemetery.
Following this investigation, the municipality received a report from a historian regarding the possible presence of wartime munitions in the soil of the plot near the Oude Toren cemetery. The documentation provided indicates the possible presence of buried munitions from World War II.
As a municipality, we have taken this report very seriously. We have sought advice from various experts, including the police and Heijmans Infra. Together, we have identified all possible risks. We have concluded that further investigation of the soil and, if necessary, removal of any materials present is required. This is necessary to rule out any risks to local residents, visitors, and future construction work. Safety is always our top priority.
What are we going to do and when?
We will be conducting a survey to confirm whether there is actually unexploded ordnance in the ground. Heijmans Infra will carry out this survey. The survey will begin on Monday, June 1, 2026. We expect the survey to take between 5 and 14 days, depending on the results. The survey area will first be cordoned off with fencing. Based on the results of the previous survey, Heijmans will carefully excavate the soil. Two archaeologists will also be present during the survey to protect any archaeological finds.
If anything resembling unexploded ordnance is discovered during excavation, Heijmans immediately contacts the police and the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team. The EOD then takes over the entire process.
Important to know
- There is currently no immediate risk to the surrounding area.
- No graves will be exhumed or examined.
- Local residents do not need to leave their homes in advance.
- As soon as risks to the surrounding area arise, we take appropriate measures.
- If live ordnance is actually found during the excavation, the EOD will take over the process.
- Safety comes first.
Information Session on May 26
An informational meeting about the study will be held on Tuesday evening, May 26, 2026. All local residents are invited to attend. During the meeting, we will provide a detailed explanation of the study. You are, of course, welcome to ask questions. In addition to municipal staff, representatives from the police and Heijmans will also be present.
The meeting starts at 7:30 p.m. and lasts until around 9:30 p.m. The location is Studio Boxx (Spegelt 45, Nuenen).
To help us prepare for the meeting, please register at erfgoed@nuenen.nl.
Questions and Answers
Why do you think there is wartime ammunition buried in the ground?
Following the geophysical survey conducted in 2025, the municipality received a report from a historian indicating that there may be wartime munitions buried on the plot of land near the Oude Toren cemetery. The documentation provided indicates the possible presence of buried ammunition from World War II. The document in question is a 1943 police report from the military police, signed by the then-mayor of the municipality of Nuenen.
What does the study involve?
Heijmans Infra will conduct a survey to determine whether there is actually any unexploded ordnance in the ground. The survey will begin on Monday, June 1, 2026. We expect the survey to take 5 to a maximum of 14 days, depending on the results. The survey area will first be cordoned off with fencing. Based on the results of the previous survey, Heijmans will carefully excavate the soil (layer by layer). They will use a midi crawler crane for this purpose.
An archaeologist will also be present during the investigation to protect archaeological sites.
What happens if live ammunition is actually found?
As soon as something resembling wartime debris is discovered during excavation, Heijmans immediately contacts the police and the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit. The EOD then takes over the entire process.
The police and the EOD have extensive experience in this area and operate in accordance with strict safety requirements, with their own safety and the safety of the surrounding area naturally being the top priority.
If it is necessary for safety reasons to evacuate (part of) the area, the police will take the necessary measures and provide information to the surrounding community.
Exactly where will the digging take place?
The locations where excavation will take place are marked by the blue and red dots. This does not involve the current cemetery. Heijmans will begin the survey and excavation work in the southernmost part of the plot.
