By Dr. Patrise Holden, The Washington Informer
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.
Magaña-Salgado emphasized the importance of raising awareness about soil health and avoiding harmful contaminants.
“The health of the soil is directly proportionate to our health,” he stated. “The number one way that kids often ingest lead is through the act of playing in soil and placing it directly in their mouth.”
Soil Quality, Essential to Human Health
From food sources to homes and domiciles, soil is connected to health and well-being at many levels.
“Soil health should be important to all of us as it is something that could be in your backyard. The health of our soil encompasses food and extends to the space we live in and on,” stated Magaña-Salgado. “We wouldn’t want to grow vegetables or even create a space for young people that could hold high levels of contamination.”
Supporting nearly 95% of the crops people consume, soil is the foundation of the food system. When factoring in livestock raised on pasture and farmland, the importance of healthy soil becomes even greater.
Beyond food production, soil also acts as a vital nutrient reservoir and serves as a natural filter, helping to cleanse water of harmful contaminants.
Empowering communities to lead the transformation toward regenerative and equitable food systems, organizations like Groundswell International promote a community-driven approach to revitalize land, while addressing the interconnected challenges of hunger, poverty, and climate change from the ground up.
As a citizen of the District of Columbia, or of the planet, Steve Brescia, Groundswell International’s executive director, underscored the importance of gently using and conserving environmental resources.
“Sustainable agriculture works to regenerate and conserve, not just to extract,” Brescia, 64, said. “We work with small-scale farmers in developing countries to work with nature, not against it.”
Hidden Hazards: Leaking Underground Storage Tanks in D.C.
Aside from industrial, agricultural, and waste contaminants, D.C. Policy Center warns that leaking underground storage tanks (LUSTs) are also a concern for soil contamination in Washington, D.C.
LUSTs are tanks containing harmful chemicals buried underground for disposal, which, over time, have begun to leak. These tanks, often containing petroleum products or other chemicals, can corrode, allowing dangerous substances to seep into the surrounding soil and groundwater.
Recognizing the threat posed by LUSTs, the District has undertaken extensive remediation efforts since 1987 to combat challenges. Yet, according to the most recent data from the D.C. Policy Center (2020), 130 LUST sites remain active, continuing to endanger both environmental and public health.
In order to promote awareness and transparency, residents can search for active and inactive LUSTs by location through the D.C. Department of Energy and the Environment.
While awareness about contaminants is important, Edgewood Community Farm promotes education and proper use of the soil, as opposed to panic or widespread fear.
“If folks are using green spaces for sports or leisure or just to hang out, the level of soil contamination is normally low, unless you have small children who play close to the soil and put it in their mouths,” advised Magaña-Salgado. “The goal is figuring out what the appropriate use of the soil space is, not fear mongering, especially in places like D.C. where it may be the only green space around.”
Enjoying the Soil Responsibly, What You Can Do
Health and environmental advocates alike note that spending time outside is one of the best ways to learn about and foster a love for the great outdoors.
Organizations such as Edgewood Community Farm offer low-cost outdoor event rental space and workshops such as yoga and bouquet crafting.
Magaña-Salgado encouraged people to understand where their food is coming from, as many farms in Washington, D.C., provide a variety of locally sourced food. He also said it is important to know the background of the neighborhood and land.
“What is the former history of your local park? Was it tested for lead,” he questioned. “Even well-manicured spaces can have soil contamination. As certain contaminants don’t negatively affect the plants. They negatively affect us.”
The Edgewood Community Farm president offered simple steps to protect all Americans from soil contamination.
“Understand the history of when and how your house was built, what materials were used, are remaining, or have flaked off,” he said. “ Lead stays in the soil basically forever.”
Moreover, Magaña-Salgado noted that people living in houses are not the only ones who should be aware of the soil on which they live. Even those living in apartment buildings can benefit greatly from knowing the history of their complex.
A wide variety of do-it-yourself soil tests can also be ordered through the mail, some for as little as $15.
Finally, for those with green thumbs, Magaña-Salgado emphasized: “when getting potting or topsoil, make sure it is coming from reputable dealers that have to follow government regulations.”
“If you don’t know where the soil is coming from,” he said, “chances are great that you don’t want to use it.”
This post appeared first on The Washington Informer.
