F. J. COLON Chairman of the Scientific Committee TNO Division of Technology for Society, APELDOORN, The NETHERLANDS Only these past few years have we gained an insight into the full extent of the problems associated with contaminated soils. The first efforts to take effective remedial action at contaminated sites were seriously hampered by the lack of experience, knowledge and technology. Fortunately, this handicap has been partly alleviated by the experience we have gained in the numerous cases we have had, and -unfortunately still have to deal with. This meeting on contaminated soil is the...