Since 1847, the foundry had been producing cast iron parts. The factory site is currently being dismantled and is in the redevelopment phase. It is recognised as being polluted mainly by metals, hydrocarbons and chlorinated solvents.
The study area covers a radius of at least 500 metres around the factory and mainly comprises residential properties with or without gardens, sensitive establishments (public buildings, nurseries, etc.), tertiary and agricultural activities, and natural spaces.
The implementation of an IEM was prescribed by Prefectural Works Order of 9 July 2021. In this context, ADEME commissioned ABO-ERG ENVIRONNEMENT to ensure that the natural environments (water, air, soil) do not deviate from the health management measures put in place for the entire French population.

Solutions provided by ABO-ERG Environment:
The diagnosis of off-site natural environments was carried out on the basis of a programme defined by a door-to-door field survey and a vulnerability study, as well as investigations carried out at different times of the year (five interventions in total in summer and winter). Covering more than 100 homes, the field survey was conducted using a specially designed questionnaire accompanied by a letter explaining the study process to local residents (a letter that we drafted and had approved by the local authority).

Samples were taken from 22 private individuals (homes and gardens) or public establishments (daycare centres, health centres) who gave their consent. These samples were used to characterise the natural environments likely to have been impacted by the factory's activities and then to verify the health compatibility of neighbouring (sensitive) uses in the event of an impact from pollutants originating from the site.
The Interpretation of Environmental Conditions report drew in particular on the results of measurements of the bioavailability of As and Pb for the risk of ingestion, in order to obtain a more realistic estimate of the health risks to the population.
Health compatibility has been confirmed, but ABO ERG has recommended monitoring the accumulation of metals in the soil due to dust blowing from the site (unprotected stockpile).
The study was finally presented to the local authorities involved in the redevelopment of the METALAQUITAINE site (Sub-Prefecture 47, DREAL, DDT47, ADEME, Community of Communes, Architecte de France, etc.).