Re: [UC] arsenic in the soil

[Naomi]

Title: Re: [UC] arsenic in the soil

Arsenic in the soil was an issue where I grew up in Jersey. When the railroad companies would replace the railroad ties, they would offer them up for free to whomever would take them away. Folks would use them for lining gardening edges or for creating raised beds. But the ties were heavily treated with chemicals – including arsenic – to make the wood last longer.  The arsenic would leach into the soil, and then into the plants. It was also a big issue because many rural residents use well water and the arsenic would leach into the water.

As for our area, I don’t know how it would get there or what effect it would have on the homeowner. Obviously it’s not good for the environment and the water system as a whole, but unless you eat the dirt or things grown in the contaminated dirt, I don’t know if it is an immediate health risk. I think the only way to remove it is to remove the contaminated soil and replace it with new soil and/or clean fill. But, again, I’m not a soil expert.

Naomi



on 12/17/04 8:35 PM, Jo Ann Fishburn at [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:

A friend asked me to write to the list to see if
anyone has any information about the seriousness of
arsenic in the soil in our neighborhood. Has anyone
dealt with this issue? Does it need to be removed? How
can it be removed? Is it dangerous? Where does it come
from?
Any information would be appreciated.
Jo Ann
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