Soil and groundwater remediation at Sanofi addresses two matters:
- Sites currently operated by the Company that may have an impact on soil and groundwater
- The impact on soil and groundwater that may exist at certain sites because of past industrial activities
Systematic environmental studies are carried out at our sites to evaluate and address potential impacts on soil & groundwater linked to past industrial activities. Each site follows procedures to assess, prevent, and control potential spills and releases to air, water and soil. Each industrial and research facility complies with regulatory soil and groundwater protection principles and good practices, as outlined in both construction and environmental standards. In addition, spill-control kits are included as part of the emergency spill-response program wherever potentially hazardous liquids are stored or handled.
In terms of existing historic impacts on soil and groundwater, the objective is to take appropriate steps to ensure the absence of risk for the health and the environment. All remedial work is carried out in accordance with the applicable current standards and regulations, and in co-operation with local authorities.
Setting up a Process for Remediation of Impacted Sites
In compliance with environmental laws, Sanofi is sometimes required to implement investigation and eventually remediation processes for certain sites.
These regulatory requirements concern sites where:
- Sanofi operates
- Sanofi (or legal predecessors) operated in the past
- Sanofi (or legal predecessors) may have disposed of waste
For this reason, financial provisions are established and adjusted every year considering new events that may have occurred, as well as updates of environmental assessments.
The Company systematically applies a multi-year soil and groundwater monitoring and evaluation program for Sanofi properties, both for those that are currently owned by the Company, and those that were formerly owned and/or operated by Sanofi. Sanofi relies on detailed risk evaluations of soil and groundwater, carried out, when necessary, at the Company’s sites or former sites. Remediation projects are initiated either as a request from local authorities or by Sanofi. Remediation is currently underway at over 20 Sanofi sites worldwide.
In total, remediation costs amounted to €35 million in 2024 (compared to a total of €33 million in 2023).
For more information, see: B.9. Health, Safety and Environment – Form 20-F 2024