Soil contamination is a major issue in parts of the U.S., including California and the District of Columbia, posing risks to food, water systems, and public health.
Organizations, such as Edgewood Community Farm, suggest that simple techniques such as growing sunflowers not only beautify the outdoors but, over time, help to remediate the soil. (Courtesy of Edgewood Community Farm)
In the aftermath of California’s devastating wildfires earlier this year, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) decided, for the first time, not to conduct soil quality tests before initiating rebuilding efforts.
“I would want the soil extensively tested in any area in which there was massive destruction. Materials like lead and mercury have burned down from buildings directly into the soil,” said Jose Magaña-Salgado, president of Edgewood Community Farm. “After a fire or severe disruption to soil, critical questions need to be answered before rebuilding, such as whether you need to engage in soil remediation and to what extent?”
Californians are not the only people who should be concerned about what’s in their soil. Soil contamination is a nationwide problem.
From industrial, agricultural, and waste contaminants, to leaking underground storage tanks (LUSTs), the District of Columbia also has its fair share of soil contamination concerns.
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