A Citizen's Guide to
Ecological Revitalization
What Is Ecological Revitalization?
Ecological revitalization is the process of returning a
contaminated site to a natural environment, similar to the
one that existed before the property was developed. The
development of a property for industrial, commercial,
and other uses can displace the plants and animals living
there and disrupt the ecology (the ways these organisms
interact with each other and their environment).
Returning a meadow, forest, or wetlands to the property
can restore the habitats and other natural characteristics
of the area. This process can "revitalize" or give new life
to a community with the creation of a new park, natural
recreational area, or nature preserve.
How Does It Work?
Returning a site to a natural environment will involve
different approaches, depending on the property
and how it was altered during development and use.
Ecological revitalization first requires an understanding
of the plant and animal species, soil types, weather, and
other characteristics of the site, both past and present.
This may involve looking at old photographs and maps
of the site, visiting nearby natural areas, and talking to
local residents to get a better idea of what needs to be
done. Ecological revitalization is most successful when
considered during site cleanup. Common steps include:
• Demolition of buildings and other infrastructure.
• Regrading the ground surface to remove or create
slopes.
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• Bringing in fertile soil or adding nutrients and other
natural materials, also known as "amendments," to
existing soil to help plants grow.
• Creating or restoring wetlands and natural stream
channels.
• Planting native trees, grasses, and other vegetation.
• Reestablishing wildlife.
The links between soil, plants, and wildlife, including
birds, insects, and even microscopic organisms are an
important part of ecological revitalization. For example,
many native flowering plants in the United States rely
on bees, bats, hummingbirds or other "pollinators" that
feed on nectar to help them reproduce and spread.
The purpose of ecological revitalization is to provide an
environment where both plants and animals can thrive.
Is Ecological Revitalization Safe?
When properly planned and managed, ecological
revitalization is very safe. If there is any chance that
contaminated soil or groundwater will remain at the site,
EPA will combine revitalization with cleanup methods
that isolate contaminants from people, plants, and
wildlife. For instance a protective cap may be placed over
contaminated soil or a vertical engineered barrier may
be placed around the contaminated soil or groundwater.
(See A Citizen's Guide to Capping [EPA 542-F-12-
004] and A Citizen's Guide to Vertical Engineered
Barriers [EPA 542-F-12-022].) Revitalization also can be
conducted with methods that continue to actively clean
up contamination.
How Long Will It Take?
An ecological revitalization project may take anywhere
from a few months to several years. The time it takes to
reestablish natural habitat will depend on several factors.
For example, it may take longer where:
• Plants have a long life cycle and take longer to reach
maturity.
• Unfavorable weather for seed germination or plant
growth (such as drought) occurs.
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• Plants that are eaten by animals or insects must be replaced.
• Stream channels must be restored or must be stabilized to prevent severe
erosion, or if habitats, such as wetlands, need to be built from scratch.
• Soil conditions such as temperature, nutrient levels, and microorganism
populations must be modified.
These factors vary from site to site.
How Might It Affect Me?
Generally, ecological revitalization does not cause much disruption to the
surrounding community. Initial work may involve grading or tilling the soil with
earth-moving equipment. Residents and businesses near the site may hear
equipment noise or detect odor if the soil is mixed with natural amendments, such
as compost, manure, and yard/wood waste. Airborne dust can be controlled by
watering down the soil.
Why Use Ecological Revitalization?
Ecological revitalization is usually used with soil and groundwater cleanup methods
to improve the condition of a contaminated site. It is most successful when the
process starts during site cleanup. Ecological revitalization is often conducted
to reclaim lost land and transform an eyesore into an attractive environmental
resource for the community. It can help isolate or remove contamination from
people and wildlife and can also reduce soil erosion. Revitalized sites help create
wildlife habitats, improve air and water quality, and provide added green space for
parks, recreation, and nature preserves. Returning contaminated sites to beneficial
use can lead to increased property values, recreational centers, and protected
open space in what are often densely developed areas.
Example
Superfund site before and after ecological revitalization.
Not long ago, the Army Creek
Landfill in Delaware, was filled
to capacity with tons of trash
that contaminated nearby
Army Creek and local water
supply wells. After the site was
cleaned up and a protective
cap built over the remaining
lightly contaminated soil, EPA
planted grasses, wild flowers,
and other native plants to
provide resting and feeding
habitats for migrating birds. Bird
boxes were installed along the
creek to encourage nesting,
and gooseberry was planted as
a food source.
The site is mowed once a
year during the fall so that
bird habitats are not disturbed
during nesting season. The
tall grass throughout the
spring and summer provides
shelter for birds and other
small animals as well as
seeds and an attractive
habitat for insects, another
source of food for birds. EPA
also built wetlands to provide
habitat for many species of
plants, animals, and birds.
Ecological revitalization
transformed the site into a
vibrant wildlife enhancement
area for the commmunity.
For More Information
For more information on this and
othertechnologiesintheCitizen's
Guide Series, contact:
U.S. EPA
Technology Innovation &
Field Services Division
Technology Assessment Branch
(703) 603-9910
Or visit:
www.cluin.org/ecotools
NOTE: This fact sheet is intended solely as general information to the public. It is not intended, nor can it be relied upon, to create any rights
enforceable by any party in litigation with the United States, or to endorse the use of products or services provided by specific vendors. The
Agency also reserves the right to change this fact sheet at any time without public notice.
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Office of Solid Waste and
Emergency Response
(5102G)
EPA 542-F-12-005
September 2012
www.epa.gov/superfund/sites
www.cluin.org
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