Combining Remediation Methods
After learning our bedstuy backyard was contaminated with a whopping 986 ppm of lead, as well as chromium & other nasty contaminants, we began our journey into learning about soil remediation.
Here are some views from where we started:
A Preface Note About Strategy: Remember that we were renters who signed a lease with no prior knowledge of this contamination. After we got the soil tested, we alerted our landlords and they (at least to our knowledge) were also unaware. This happens all the time - and people, especially families with young children, put themselves at risk by renting in spaces still riddled with the remnants of industrial lead. Upon review, we noticed when we signed our second year lease that a lead clause absolving the landlord of responsibility for the contamination was present. We were promptly asked to leave our apartment at the end of year 2 of this project with no prior warning. Please be aware of the risks and possible issues that may arise by sharing this information with your property owner. The politics are complicated, but we want EVERYONE to be safe. It is part of your right as a renter to rent a safe space.
We used the barrier method to contain the contaminants & ground water.
Layer 1: Plastic tarp covering the entire exposed area
Layer 2: Thick layer of cardboard
Layer 3: Hay (ours came on a roll but you can spread it atop the cardboard generously)
Layer 4: Wood chips
Layer 5: First layer of compost & organic soil
