The newspaper dutifully “reports” a press release, while it is left to a citizen blogger to provide the background necessary to even begin asking the many obvious questions raised by the guileless stenography. So it goes in Stemlerstan.
When did we start farming brownfields?, by Curt Morrison at Louisville Courant
As a kid growing up in rural Southern Indiana, I knew the 10,000+ acre, Indiana Army Ammunition Plant was blighted by long-term pollution. My step-dad had told me. It wasn't a secret back then.
That's why I was surprised to hear in it's last meeting of 2011, the River Ridge Development Authority which has owned and controlled the former Plant since 1998, announced they're offering more than 360 acres of land to farmers. (News and Tribune: River Ridge offering land to farmers: Farm leases expected to bring in additional revenues)
Thanks to Curt for his research and reporting so far.
ReplyDeleteYes, excellent question Curtis. Usually agriculture takes unpolluted land and dumps poison on it, this is an interesting reversal of resource extraction. But can poisoned crops find a market? yes, sadly. Big Agriculture will say it's going into dog food. Yuck, bleh...
ReplyDeleteI grew up next door to "River Ridge" when it was called the Munitions Factory. Fun hearing the occasional explosion. Everyone knew then the ground was toxic, hence it being fenced off at the conclusion of ordinance making.
Here again is the meta environmental problem. If you call River Ridge polluted or a candidate for a Super-fund site, then by definition most of the Ohio Valley is polluted and all the industrial interests are suddenly on the hook for 200 years of unfettered resource extraction.
I suppose our "leaders" imagine the massively polluted flood-plain we call home will heal itself. Science would teach otherwise.
river ridge, doug england's old buddies
ReplyDeleteYou can reconcile farming and brownfields if you put forth an effort.
ReplyDeleteAccording to the EPA:
"Before a property can be redeveloped, contaminants must be removed, capped or contained in ways that limit exposure risks. Urban agriculture projects can help bind contaminants while providing further benefits to the property and surrounding community.
An urban farm or community garden can improve the environment, reduce greenhouse emissions, and improve access to healthy, locally grown food. Other possible benefits include promoting health and physical activity, increasing community connections, and attracting economic activity."
Website for more info:
http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/urbanag/index.html
"EPA - Brownfields - Urban Agriculture & Improving Local, Sustainable Food Systems"
Imagine the City of New Albany allowing citizens to use empty, unused (non-tax producing) lots throughout the city for urban gardens.
ReplyDeletePhiladelphia has done it for years, enlivening and enriching the city environment, literally feeding folks both nutritionally and spiritually.
So many always say "it can't be done" "wouldn't be safe" "can't happen here" - I've seen it myself and it works well.
Wow,just ran across this. Thanks for the nice words. I should be running for New Albany's city council instead. You all actually like me! lol
ReplyDeleteI notice WFPL mentioned environmental concerns as well: .wfpl.org/2011/12/26/39821/
I've just sent an inquiry to IDEM, (you can, too!: http://www.in.gov/idem/5273.htm)Let's see if they have any staff that aren't chained to their chairs. Happy New Year!