Enhancing ecosystem services at urban brownfield sites – what value does contaminated soil have in the built environment?

P Drenning,L Rosén,J Norrman,Y Andersson-Sköld,Y Volchko,S Chowdhury

doi:10.1088/1755-1315/588/5/052008

Abstract

Urban environments are challenged with a plethora of wicked problems in the face of rapid urbanization and land use change, not least natural capital degradation and widespread land and water contamination. Brownfields, under-used sites with real or perceived contamination, are significant urban and peri-urban land resources which, with well-designed remediation and management strategies can address these concerns. Gentle remediation options (GRO) are scalable nature-based techniques which provide significant opportunities for multi-functionality: managing risks posed by contaminants and at the same time enhance ecosystem services (ES) by improving the soil ecosystem in a low-impact, cost-effective manner. GRO align with an increasing interest in taking a holistic view on soil and land management to protect and improve the soil ecosystem for direct human benefit in the form of ES as well as for its indirect, intrinsic value as a haven for biodiversity. This short review aims to present a synthesis of ideas to raise awareness for urban planners about GRO techniques as nature-based solutions which can promote green infrastructure in the urban environment.

Highlights

IntroductionBrownfields are typically defined as underused or derelict areas with, in many cases, real or perceived, soil and groundwater pollution that require intervention to bring them back into beneficial use [2]
Regulations, policies and challenges associated with brownfields differ depending local context; market and exploitation pressures and stakeholders’ perception of uncertainties in time, costs, efficiency of alternative remediation options, and future liabilities have a crucial impact on the selection of treatment solutions at contaminated sites regardless of location [4]
This review aims to discuss the potential of Gentle remediation options (GRO) as an alternative remediation strategy in urban environments to mitigate the abovementioned problems and improve human well-being by restoring soil functioning

Summary

Introduction

Brownfields are typically defined as underused or derelict areas with, in many cases, real or perceived, soil and groundwater pollution that require intervention to bring them back into beneficial use [2] These sites often face a barrier to redevelopment due to investment risks, ownership constraints, risk of future liability claims and public stigma [3]. Today, contaminated masses are excavated and landfilled due to time constraints, low disposal fees and well-established effectiveness in removing the source of the contamination, which is readily accepted by regulatory authorities [4] Perhaps most importantly, this quick conventional method is feasible for rapid redevelopment in urban areas with high land value. Excavation entails many disadvantages, including the negative effects caused by transportation (use of fossil fuels, emissions and accident risks), use of virgin material for refilling at the sites, the production of non-

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