Green Remediation Focus
Upper Arkansas River
Leadville, Colorado
Superfund Removal
Cleanup Objectives: Began treating soil in 1998 through application of 100 dry tons (pellets) of biosolids to each of 20 target acres along an 11-mile stretch of the river
Green Remediation Strategy: Applied biosolids and assorted amendments
- Applied 100 dry tons (pellets) of biosolids to each of 20 target acres along 11-mile stretch of river
- Mixed biosolids with lime to reduce soil acidity, supporting increased plant viability and metal insolubility
- Seeded native plants and quick-growing ryegrass
- Added compost and woody material as additional plant nutrients
- Added wood chips to reduce nitrogen (nutrient) leaching
- Covered amended soil with native hay to promote plant growth and seeding
Results:
- Revegetated denuded acreages
- Reduced concentrations/bioavailability of zinc and other metals through bioremediation, phytoremediation processes, and solubility reduction
- Neutralized soil to levels supporting healthier ecosystems
- Reduced soil erosion, river channel degradation, and property loss
- Re-established communities of native plants such as white yarrow and tufted hairgrass
Property End Use: Agriculture and recreation
Point of Contact: Harry Compton, U.S. EPA Region 2
Update: December 2008