Citation:

Colsman, M. Urban Gardens as Sustainable Reuse - Considerations and Current Resources for Evaluating an Urban Gardens Site, In: SMARTe 2011, EPA/600/C-10/007. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, 2010.

Impact/Purpose:

To develop resources and provide technical assistance to assist gardeners in assessing potential soil contamination and reduce the risk if it is too high.

Description:

Urban gardening and agriculture is of increasing interest as a land revitalization option for interim as well as long term use, and is receiving increased attention, funding, and promotiion under EPA's Brownfields land redevelopment efforts. A broad range of state and local governments, community organizations, and private sector interests across the U.S. are actively assisting residents in establishing gardens in inner cities and redeveloped areas as a sustainable reuse option. Due to industrial activities and residential construction practices, residual contamination may exist on urban or redeveloped properties that residents or communities may consider for gardening and crop production. In promoting urban gardening, EPA and other organizations are developing resources and providing technical assistance to assist gardeners in assessing potential soil contamination and reducing the risk if it is too high.

(HOW TO FIND– www.SMARTe.org
Future Land Use-→Overview-→Sustainable Practices-→Urban Gardens as Sustainable Reuse-→Considerations and Current Resources for Evaluating an Urban Gardens Site)