Frequently Asked Questions About
Ecological Revitalization of Superfund Sites
Ecological revitalization
provides habitat for wildlife and
is not considered beautification
or enhancement; therefore it can
be incorporated into site
remediation plans.
Introduction
Fact Sheets on Ecological
Revitalization
• This fact sheet is the first in a
series of fact sheets on ecological
revitalization.
• The second fact sheet
"Revegetation of landfills and
waste containment areas", EPA
542-F-06-001, can be found at
http://cluin.org/ecorevitalization.
• Look for our third fact sheet
"Ecological Revitalization and
Attractive Nuisance Issues",
EPA 542-F-06-003.
Damaged land does not have to be abandoned land.
Ecological revitalization can return damaged land to a
state of health, vitality, and diversity. This fact sheet, the
first in a series on ecological revitalization, addresses many
frequently asked questions about ecological revitalization
and revegetation of Superfund sites.
Through the Superfund, Brownfields, and Federal Facilities
programs, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),
states, tribes, or potentially responsible parties (PRP) clean
up sites that pose real or potential threats to human health
or the environment. Part of the cleanup process may include
ecological revitalization - a cost-effective way to either
create habitat or incorporate it as a natural remediation
technology for Superfund sites while increasing the
ecological value of the land. As those responsible for site
cleanups learn more about ecological revitalization, its use
at Superfund sites increases. In fact, EPA is helping
communities reuse cleaned up sites through the Superfund
Redevelopment Initiative (http://www.epa.gov/superfund/
programs/recycle/), and several of those Superfund sites
have a planned recreational end use that will incorporate
ecological revitalization.
The information in this fact sheet is intended for EPA site
managers, state agency site managers, consultants, and
others interested in restoring disturbed sites. Various
information sources used to prepare this fact sheet are listed
at the end.
What is ecological revitalization?
Ecological revitalization of a Superfund site is the process of returning a site to a functioning and sustainable
use. Ecological revitalization re-establishes a site to a natural state, thus increasing or improving habitat for
plants and animals without impairing the remediation activities that ensure the protection of human health
and the environment. Although ecological revitalization can be used to create habitat as a specific goal, it
also can be used to complement or enhance a traditional cleanup method; as a green remediation technology
to remove or stabilize contaminants; or reduce erosion while providing valuable wildlife habitat. Ecological
revitalization also can be used adjacent to areas redeveloped for commercial use, such as for riparian zones,
and in conjunction with recreational features such as hiking and biking trails or bird-watching lookout stations.
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Selected Benefits of Ecological Revitalization
• Removes stigma associated with prior waste sites
• Repairs damaged land
• Enhances property values
• Provides recreational uses for local residents
• Improves soil health and supports diverse vegetation
• Creates wildlife habitat
• Contributes to a green corridor
• Can reduce erosion, sequester carbon,
and control landfill leachate
• Protects surface and groundwater from
potential contamination
Why should I consider
ecological revitalization?
What are the benefits?
Ecological revitalization provides a
variety of environmental, economic, and
public relations benefits. When the end
use of a site is considered, those
responsible should discuss all future use
alternatives with the community, including
ecological revitalization. The EPA
Environmental Response Team (ERT) can
assist in facilitating public outreach.
Environmental Benefits:
• Biodiversity In addition to providing areas
that are more aesthetically pleasing than
mowed grass or pavement, ecological
revitalization provides important habitat that
attracts and sustains wildlife, such as
migratory birds. Areas with a variety of native
plant species are less impacted by disease,
provide habitat for a variety of wildlife species,
and may be vital links to other habitat areas
on critical migration routes.
• Contaminant remediation
Ecological revitalization can include
natural remediation technologies that can
help biodegrade environmental
contaminants, sequester carbon to make
it unavailable as a greenhouse gas,
improve groundwater recharge, and
control landfill leachate.
• Soil stability Ecological revitalization
provides rooted vegetation to stabilize the
soil and can reduce the need to excavate
or import soil. This in turn can limit dust,
reduce erosion, and slow down and filter
storm water runoff.
• Education Ecological revitalization
provides educational, interpretive, and
stewardship opportunities for students
and the local community.
Economic Benefits:
• Cost Not only is ecological revitalization
cost-competitive with other remediation
technologies, but the reduced maintenance
requirements often make it less expensive
than many other end uses. Conservation
easements, environmental offsets, and an
increased tax base can also provide
additional economic benefits.
• Aesthetic value Ecological revitalization
can provide recreational areas that increase
local property values or provide revenue.
In addition, aesthetically pleasing
commercial greenscaping or residential
areas attract more customers and can be
marketed to create a competitive advantage.
Public Relations Benefits:
• Improved community image
Ecologically revitalized sites improve the
aesthetics of a community and may increase
recreational use and tourism.
• Improved agency image Site owners
and regulatory agencies may gain an
enhanced reputation, "green" image,
external validation, and sustainable
operations.
Additional information on the benefits of
ecological revitalization is available through
the Interstate Technology and Regulatory
Council (ITRC 2004 and 2006). See the
information resources listed at the end of this
fact sheet.
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What types of sites can be
ecologically revitalized?
Are small or industrial
sites eligible?
Ecological revitalization can be implemented
to some degree at any site; however, the
benefits will be strongly influenced by the
surrounding area. Ecological revitalization
can most easily be incorporated for a site
that is already located within a larger
beneficial habitat or ecosystem. Sites that
are somewhat isolated, but are along a
corridor or riparian or transition zone and
linked to more extensive habitat, are also
suitable for revitalization. Sites that are
completely isolated within industrial or
residential development may also be
candidates for ecological improvements and
community recreational opportunities.
Small or industrial sites within an urban or
suburban setting may appear to contribute
less to the ecosystem, but they can be
important habitats, reservoirs, or sanctuaries,
and provide excellent opportunities for public
education or recreation. In many cases, these
sites provide valuable opportunities for
restoring rare or unique habitat types and
provide beneficial recreational assets such
as soccer fields, golf courses, playgrounds,
or parks with a green element. In many
situations, ecological revitalization should be
considered as part of a "green landscaping"
approach to site development. These sites
can provide a sense of ownership and
opportunities for stewardship among the
residents and public.
Should I use native vegetation
for ecological revitalization?
Native vegetation should be used for
ecological revitalization whenever possible.
Executive Order 13148 refers to a
presidential memorandum regarding
beneficial landscape practices on grounds
landscaped with federal dollars (http://
www.epa.gov/greenacres/EO1 3148.pdf).
The memorandum requires the use of
regional native vegetation in landscaping
when possible. Native vegetation prefers
native (unfertilized) soils, and does not
require soil amendments, such as fertilizer.
Appropriate site and soil analyses should
be performed during predesign stages of
the project. On many Superfund sites, the
soil characteristics are different than
characteristics of native soil (for example,
soil may have a lower pH or higher salt
concentration). Soil amendments may be
necessary in these cases to remediate
contamination, and certain native vegetation
may not thrive in the resulting environment.
Therefore, it is not always possible to
revegetate a site strictly using regional native
vegetation. A restoration practitioner should
be consulted to aid in proper selection of
the vegetation and to increase the chance
of planting success. The restoration
practitioner can specify analyses that help
match appropriate species of vegetation with
site and soil conditions. Some minimal care
should be incorporated during
implementation, and a plan could be
developed to cover such items as watering
and any need for pest control, including
control of invasive plant species. Longer term
Site managers should work with the local community when deciding to include
ecological revitalization as a cleanup component for a site. Active participation by
the local community enhances the value and acceptance of the final restoration
effort. EPS's ERT (http://www.ert.org) can help to foster community partnership by
outreach, public meetings, and providing technical information.
J
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Site Types and Case Studies Related to Ecological Revitalization
• Mining: Cherokee County Galena Subsite (OU5) (native prairie grassland with
potential for grazing or light industry development) -
http://www.epa.gov/superfund/programs/recycle/success/casestud/chercsi.htm
• Foundries: Abex Corporation (playground in addition to a fire department and police
station) - http://www.epa.gov/superfund/programs/recycle/success/briefs
• Manufacturing facilities: Industri-Plex (open space and wetlands preserve in addition to
expanded roads and retail space) -
http://www.epa.gov/superfund/programs/recvde/success/case$tud/iplexcsi.htm
• Avtex Fibers: (open space in addition to a recreational park and an eco-business park) -
http://www.epa.gov/superfund/accomp/success/avtex.htm
• Refineries: Alameda Naval Air Station (golf course and marina) -
http://www.epa.gov/superfund/programs/recycle/pilot/facts/r9 38.htm
• Landfills: Lipari Landfill (open space with nature trail in addition to recreational fields,
a parking lot and recreation building) -
http://www.epa.gov/superfund/programs/recycle/success/1-pagers/lipari.htm
• Military Installations: Pease Air Force Base (wildlife refuge in addition to a public airport)-
http://www.epa.gov/superfund/programs/recycle/success/briefs
• Metal Plating: Revere Chemical (native wildflower habitat) -
http://www.epa.gov/superfund/programs/recycle/success/briefs/pa brief. htm#pa 14
• Tannery: A.C. Lawrence Leather site in New England - contact ERT for more information
For more cases studies, visit the Wildlife Habitat Council website at
http://www.wildlifehc.org/brownfield restoration/case studies.cfm.
Leadville, CO - Before ecological restoration Leadville, CO - After ecological restoration
(Source: Dr. Sally Brown, University of Washington) (Source: Dr. Sally Brown, University of Washington)
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maintenance options, if allowed and
appropriate, should also be established for
the site.
Early in the process, site managers should
incorporate funding in the budget for
implementing ecological revitalization.
While native plant seeds can be expensive
and more difficult to sow, the reduced
operation and maintenance (O&M) costs
make native plants a more economical long-
term option than non-native plants. Native
plants can be used to establish a self-
sustaining ecosystem, usually within 3 to 4
years, if properly selected and planted.
What kind of habitat should
be considered for ecological
revitalization?
Any site has the potential for ecological
restoration, regardless of its size or location.
While a variety of habitats can be
considered for ecological revitalization, the
habitat type in the surrounding area would
likely have the greatest chance of success.
In any case, site managers should always
work with the community to determine the
preferred beneficial reuse for the site, and
thus habitat type.
Ecological revitalization can be managed
for a variety of habitats such as meadow,
prairie, riparian buffers and forest, and for
wildlife such as nongame species, birds, and
migratory butterflies. When planning for a
specific habitat type, a restoration
practitioner can provide valuable
recommendations to maximize a habitat's
potential for success. In addition to
determining appropriate species and
management techniques, the restoration
practitioner can provide recommendations
for adding nesting boxes, preserving snags,
considering pollinators, and adding other
habitat features to help attract and sustain
wildlife populations.
Can you effectively predict
and control the type of
vegetation that will develop
on a site when applying
ecological revitalization?
Various types of Superfund sites, such as
mined areas, hazardous waste spills, and
landfills may require very different treatment
technologies and different approaches to
ecological revitalization. Initially, a
planting will typically consist of a mixture
of seeds or plants, native when possible,
used to revitalize the habitat. However, the
diversity will change because some plants
will be better adapted to the site-specific
conditions than others. If the vegetation is
not maintained at the same stage as when
it was planted, the plant community will
naturally progress toward a more mature
state or climax community. For example, if
a native grass planting is not mowed in
some regions, shrubs and trees will
eventually take root and grassland will
progress toward woodland. It is most
West Page Swamp, Bunker Hill, ID-Before ecological restoration
(Source: Dr. Sally Brown, University of Washington)
West Page Swamp, Bunker Hill, ID-After ecological restoration
(Source: Dr. Sally Brown, University of Washington)
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important to maintain native species that
are functional based on the surrounding
native vegetation.
At any revitalized site, invasive species should
be controlled to allow native species to become
established. Invasive species can quickly
spread and invade disturbed land, especially
in areas that contain bare soil. An invasive
species management plan should be
developed to prescribe methods for effectively
controlling invasive species, such as burning,
where allowed, or the use of chemical,
biological, or hand-pulling techniques.
Will implementing an
ecological revitalization
project impair site
remediation or
development?
Site remediation activities are protective of
human health, and ecological revitalization
modifies a site to increase or improve habitat
for plants and animals without impairing site
remediation or development. Furthermore, an
effective revitalization design can (1) reduce
or eliminate exposure through the use of
amendments for capping and soil cover or
(2) reduce the bioavailability of contaminants
through the use of organic amendments.
Ecological revitalization measures
incorporated for beneficial end use need to
be planned early to maximize the use of native
vegetation or to focus on opportunities for
passive recreation and environmental
education during site development. In
addition, an ecological risk assessment should
be completed to ensure that the revitalization
and other cleanup components effectively
protect the environment, thereby improving the
protection of human health as well.
What is the definition of
"attractive nuisance"?
For the purposes of the Superfund
Program, an attractive nuisance is the
potential for wildlife to be harmed from
waste left on a site after a remedial action
has been completed and a revegetation
effort undertaken. One example is an
abandoned mining site that is barren and
void of life. After lime-treated biosolids
are incorporated to complex the metals
of concern, the health of the soil (fertility
and general suitability to support root
growth) is improved to permit
revegetation with native plants and
promote a self-sustaining ecosystem as
habitat for nongame species. Once the
plants are established, animal life
becomes re-established. Because the
metals remain in the soil, they could move
through the food chain to adversely affect
raptors at the top of the food chain. Thus,
because no animals were present on the
site prior to its revitalization, a potential
attractive nuisance is created.
Jasper County, MO - Before ecological restoration
(Source: Dr. Sally Brown, University of Washington)
Jasper County, MO -After ecological restoration
(Source: Dr. Sally Brown, University of Washington)
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Will ecological revitalization
at sites where waste
remains cause an attractive
nuisance?
While ecological revitalization improves
habitat for plants and animals, the primary
goal of remediation is to protect human
health and the environment. Therefore, if
the potential for an attractive nuisance exists,
an ecological risk assessment could be
conducted to demonstrate that contaminants
of concern are not present or will not
accumulate to levels that might be toxic to
wildlife attracted by the revitalized habitat.
The risk assessment or a monitoring program
would evaluate the potential risks to the
environment, and the remediation and
ecological revitalization would address any
concerns. In addition, when an ecological
revitalization project is implemented, the
protection of public health may
correspondingly improve. The ERT has
conducted various evaluations concerning
attractive nuisance over the past 6 years and
can provide technical support in addressing
this issue at a particular site. Additional
information is provided in a separate fact
sheet on ecological revitalization and
attractive nuisance issues.
Can land application of
biosolids cause
contaminants to enter the
food chain and result in
harm?
Generally no. Biosolids are applied (with
other soil amendments) to sites with
disturbed soil as part of an in situ
remediation approach or to provide soil
nutrients. These are usually sites with metal-
contaminated soils, where it is impractical
to extract or remove the contaminants.
Components within biosolids help to
complex certain contaminants, minimizing
or reducing their bioavailability. Iron,
lignins, and other organic material can bind
contaminants of concern, immobilizing
them and rendering them biologically
unavailable.
Specifically, the issue of attractive nuisance
has been a concern at some Superfund
remediation sites involving biosolids
application. The concern pertained to lead
moving through the vermiform pathway (for
example, earthworms to shrews to raptors).
Various regulatory agencies have requested
studies to address the potential for
contaminants to move up the food chain
through this pathway. The contaminants
are still present in the soil and can be
extracted with strong acids. The key
question is whether the bioavailability has
been reduced to the point where harm or
risk is acceptable under normal
environmental conditions. Different studies
have been conducted to answer this
question. For example, treated soils have
been fed to pigs, and small mammal
trapping with follow-on pathology studies
have been performed. To date, no evidence
suggests that the contaminants are not
adequately complexed. This reduction in
bioavailability is encouraging, but has not
been evaluated over long periods of time.
EPA is currently working on a technical
performance measures (TPM) paper to
address the types of tests that should be
applied to monitor and evaluate the efficacy
and safety of applying biosolids during
remediation efforts.
Some examples of Superfund sites that used
biosolids during restoration include Bunker
Hill in Idaho; California Gulch in Leadville,
Colorado; and the Jasper County Site in
Joplin, Missouri.
For additional information on land application of biosolids and compost, go to
http://www.epa.gov/compost and http://www.epa.gov/own/mtb/biosolids/.
7
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How does wetland
mitigation compare to
ecological revitalization?
Wetland mitigation involves creating new
wetland habitat to compensate for impacts
to existing wetlands. Ecological revitalization
can be considered part of wetland mitigation
depending on the site-specific habitat.
However, if the wetland mitigation is part of
a contaminant treatment system, it cannot
be considered part of ecological
revitalization. Such a wetland could be a
cost-effective alternative to conventional
technology, such as groundwater pump and
treat. For example, at the Silver Bow Creek/
Warm Springs Ponds Superfund site in
Montana, the PRP decided to fund the
revitalization of a copper mining area after
cleanup activities were completed; the effort
included creating 400 acres of wetlands
(http://www.epa.gov/superfund/programs/
recycle/success/1-pagers/bowcrk. htm).
For additional information on wetland
mitigation requirements, go to
http://www.epa.gov/wetlandsmitigation/.
Mitigation ratios vary depending on the type
and quality of the wetland that will be lost
and the predicted time until functions are
revitalized at the mitigation wetland. Even
impacts to man-made wetlands can require
mitigation because the characteristics and
functional value of a wetland - and not the
origin - are the primary factors in determining
whether mitigation is required. Treatment
wetlands constructed to remove contamination
from surface water or leachate do not meet
mitigation requirements, primarily because of
their structure and function. Properly designed
treatment wetlands need to be densely planted
with an aggressive plant species to minimize
exposure to contaminants that may collect in
the sediment. These wetlands are not
designed to attract wildlife or replicate the
habitat and functional values of wetlands.
If plants are introduced for
phytoremediation, does that
qualify as revitalization?
In some cases, phytoremediation can be a
cost-effective alternative for surface soil or
water treatment and can help revitalize
species diversity through habitat creation or
expansion. Phytoremediation encompasses
a broad range of designs. Some designs
rely on plantation-style grids of non-native
species that have negligible ecological value
or use mass plantings of hyperaccumulating
species that are harvested and disposed of
off site; however, these crop systems do not
constitute ecological revitalization. Other
phytoremediation approaches use a mix of
plant species to provide long-term
revitalization, reduce bioavailability, and
provide valuable habitat. These approaches,
when designed to maximize ecological value,
would be considered ecological revitalization
or revegetation using native species.
Native plantings planned for early in the
design process are a cost-effective
consideration. However, cost savings
realized through phytoremediation are site-
specific and depend on the techniques
applied. Savings can include the difference
between soil removal and disposal versus the
cost of the plants and the labor for planting.
Savings could be achieved for groundwater
contamination by replacing pump-and-treat
technology required over many years with
deep-rooted plants that extract water and
transpire volatile contaminants.
For additional information on
phytoremediation, go to
http:// www.itrcweb.org/
Documents/PHYTO-2ExecSum.pdf or
http://www.cluin.org/techfocus and
choose phytoremediation.
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Do caps or soil covers over
residual contamination have
to be planted with fescue or
is ecological revitalization
appropriate?
Ecological revitalization is appropriate at
these sites. Many caps and soil covers have
been planted with fescue because it is easy
to establish. In addition, some site managers
are concerned that native plantings are more
expensive and that the deeper roots of native
species might compromise the cap.
Although caps planted with fescue are easy
to establish, they do not provide useful
habitat and require routine maintenance,
which increases long-term O&M costs. The
native seeds and plants themselves are more
expensive than lawn grass seed mixes;
however, O&M costs over many years are
significantly lower for native plantings
because of their hardiness to poor
conditions, longevity, and self-seeding
potential. Ecological revitalization that
incorporates mixed native plant species also
provides beneficial wildlife habitat.
If a cap is properly designed, roots of native
species will not compromise the cap. Root
growth depends on the soil characteristics,
and the presence of a clay liner or
geomembrane influences their growth.
Research at the Brookfield Sanitary Landfill
in New York showed that roots, including
taproots, grow laterally once they reach the
clay cap. No significant damage to the
clay cap was observed as a result (Robinson
and Handel 1995). For additional
information, please see the fact sheet on
Ecologically revitalized areas
are not necessarily off limits to
the public. Recreational uses
such as trails, athletic fields, and
wildlife mixed use are
compatible with ecological
revitalization and revegetation
using native species. In fact,
kiosks and public viewing areas
often can be included in
ecological revitalization plans.
revegetating landfills and waste containment
areas (EPA 542-F-06-002, http://
www.cluin.org/ecorevitalization) and
review the references by Steven Handel
listed at the end of this fact sheet.
Caps or soil covers that already have
established fescue can be converted to
native plants. An effective conversion
method is to burn the existing fescue, if
possible, and follow up with applications
of a broad spectrum herbicide registered
for the establishment of native warm season
grasses and forbs. As the native grasses
and forbs are establishing, follow-up
herbicide treatments may be necessary to
control the fescue. While areas can be
converted from fescue to native plants, the
conversion must be carefully planned and
should be conducted by a restoration
practitioner to increase the likelihood
of success.
A separate fact sheet on revegetation of landfills and waste containment areas
will provide additional information (http://www.cluin.org/ecorevitalization).
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What maintenance and
repair activities should
I expect when
supporting ecological
revitalization?
All cover-type remedies require some level
of maintenance. O&M costs will be lower
for ecological revitalization because, while
there is some cost for weed control, there is
minimal to no cost for mowing.
• Short-term requirements When
plants are establishing on the site,
short-term monitoring and maintenance
will consist primarily of weed control
and irrigation, when necessary and
possible, and reseeding to ensure the
health of the native pfants. Various
methods can be used to control weeds,
including mowing, hand pulling,
prescribed burning, or use of EPA-
registered pesticides; the most
appropriate method depends on the
final use of the site. An invasive
species management plan that
specifies short- and long-term activities
should be developed early in the
process by a restoration practitioner.
If necessary in the management plan,
guidelines for mowing to control weeds
will need to be developed and
followed, particularly because forbs
and young trees will be eliminated if
they are inadvertently mowed.
• Long-term requirements Long-term
maintenance activities vary depending on
the site. Some sites do not require any
long-term maintenance because the
native plants create a self-sustaining
habitat. If the goal is to create a specific
setting to attract a particular type of
wildlife, such as butterflies, then tree
removal and occasional mowing might
be necessary. In general, long-term
maintenance depends on the long-term
objective of the site and shoufd be
determined by a restoration practitioner.
If the objective requires intervention with
the natural progression of the site, then
some minimal long-term maintenance
would be required.
Considering that native
species typically take longer
to become fully established
(as compared to commercial
erosion control seed mixes),
how do I provide for
appropriate vegetative
cover during the
establishment period?
Various agencies and organizations, including
the Natural Resources Conservation Service
(http: //www.nrcs. usda.gov/), state
native plant societies (such as in
California [http://www.cnps.org] and
Texas [http://www.npsot.org/]). or local
Soil Conservation Service centers
(http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app),
can identify the best planting time for specific
areas and species and can provide additional
information to ensure appropriate vegetative
cover during the establishment period. Some
simple treatment might be required to improve
the survival of planted species, such as soil
surface cultivation and the use of nurse species
(for example, sterile rye grass or non-sterile
legumes). A fast-growing sterile nurse species
grows quickly and then dies, providing soil
protection and increased nutrients. Sterile
annual rye grasses that germinate and grow
quickly are often added to native seed mixes
For additional information on monitoring and evaluation of a revitalized site,
go to http://www.ser.org/content ecological revitalization primer.asp#8.
10
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to control erosion. In addition, fast-growing
shrubs can be planted to stabilize stream
banks, allowing time for slower-growing trees
to mature and overtop the shrubs. Small
groups of trees can be planted over a
remediated area to attract birds and other
animals that will naturally disperse seeds and
expand the forested area over time.
Ecological revitalization is considered
accomplished once a revitalization practitioner
is no longer needed to ensure long-term
sustainability of the ecosystem (typically after
3 to 5 years). However, long-term
management may be required to prevent
recurrent degradation of revitalized
ecosystems. For trees and shrubs, contracts
often require 90 percent survival after the first
year of planting. Reseeding of bare spots
and poor growth areas is often necessary for
grasses and herbaceous plants.
Who is financially
responsible for ecological
revitalization, and are there
any legal requirements?
The financial responsibility and legal
requirements associated with ecological
revitalization of a Superfund site are site-specific.
Although EPA strives to get PRPs to fund the
cleanup of a Superfund site, Superfund money
can be used for the cleanup if the PRP cannot
be found, is not viable, or refuses to cooperate.
Whether a site is funded by the PRP or with
Superfund money, ecological revitalization
activities can be incorporated into the site reuse
plan because they are not considered
beautification or enhancement. Such activities
are considered beneficial reuse and fall within
EPA's policies, initiatives, and priorities.
The cost of native seeds can be high, so it is
important to decide on the use of native plants
early in the process and incorporate the
associated costs into the remediation budget.
When incorporating beneficial reuse into the
site plan and remediation budget, one rule
of thumb is to budget 5 to 10 percent of the
remediation budget for beneficial reuse. For a
removal site, ecological revitalization can be
included in the action memorandum; for a remedial
site, it can be included in the record of decision. If
an ecological revitalization component is included
in the selected remedy, completion of the
revitalization can be required in a consent decree.
If revitalization is not included in the site reuse plan,
site managers can work with PRPs to explain the
benefits of ecological reuse and encourage
voluntary revitalization activities. However,
unwilling PRPs cannot be forced to complete
revitalization activities if those activities are not
included in the site reuse plan.
Additional Information
and Resources
Handel, S.N.etal. 1994.
"Biodiversity Resources for Restoration Ecology."
Restoration Ecology.
Volume 2, Number 4. Pages 230 through 241.
Interdisciplinary Training for Ecosystem
Restoration.
On-Line Address:
http://www.epa.gov/owow/watershed/
wacademy/training/bkley6.html
Internet Seminars on Ecological Restoration.
On-Line Address:
http://www.clu-in.org/studio/seminar.cfm
ITRC. Planning and Promoting Ecological Land
Reuse at Remediated Sites. 2006.
On-Line Address:
http://www.itrcweb.org
Plant Conservation Alliance.
On-Line Address:
http://www.nps.gov/plants
Robinson, G.R., and S.N. Handel. 1993.
"Forest Restoration on a Closed Landfill:
Rapid Addition of New Species by Bird
Dispersal."
Conservation Biology. Volume 7, Number 2.
Pages 271 through 278.
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Robinson, G.R., and S.N. Handel. 1995.
"Woody Plant Roots Fail to Penetrate a
Clay-Lined Landfill: Management
Implications." Environmental Management.
Volume 19, Number 1.
Pages 57 through 64.
Society for Ecological Restoration (SER)
International: Guidelines for Developing
and Managing Ecological Restoration
Projects, 2nd Edition. Andre Clewell, John
Rieger, and John Munro.
December 2005.
On-Line Address: http://www.ser.org
U.S. EPA Revegatation of Landfills and
Waste Contaminant Areas Fact Sheet"
EPA 542 F-06-001.
On-Line Address:
http://www.cluin.org/ecorevitalization
U.S. EPA. Green Landscaping with
Native Plants: Greenacres.
On-Line Address:
http://www.epa.gov/greenacres/
U.S. EPA Greenscape Program.
On-Line Address:
http://www.epa.gov/greenscapes/
U.S. EPA. An Introduction and User's
Guide to Wetland Restoration, Creation,
and Enhancement.
On-Line Address: http://www.epa.gov/
owow/wetlands/pdf/restdocfinal.pdf
U.S. EPA Land Revitalization Offices
and Programs.
On-Line Address:
http: //www.epa .gov/swerrims/
landrevitalization/index.htm
U.S. EPA National Association of Remedial
Project Managers (NARPM) Training
Conference.
On-Line Address:
http://www.epa narpm .org
U.S. EPA Reusing Cleaned Up Superfund
Sites: Golf Facilities Where Waste is Left On
Site.
On-Line Address:
http://www.epa.gov/superfund/programs/
recycle/pdfs/golf-1031 03-c.pdf
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural
Resource Conservation Service.
On-Line Address: http://soils.usda.gov/
survey/printed surveys/
U.S. EPA Superfund Redevelopment Program.
On-Line Address: http://www.epa.gov/
superfund/programs/recycle/index.htm
Wildlife Habitat Council.
On-Line Address: http://wildlifehc/org
Acknowledgment
Photographs used in this fact sheet were
reproduced with permission from Dr. Sally
Brown, Research Associate Professor,
University of Washington.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or comments on
this fact sheet, or suggestions for future fact
sheets, please contact:
Ellen Rubin
(703) 603-0141
rubin.ellen@epa.gov
Scott Fredricks
(703) 603-8771
fredricks.scott@epa.gov
Office of Superfund Remediation
and Technology Innovation
(5102P)
EPA542-F-06-002
December 2006
www.epa.gov
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