Many urban areas are experiencing a significant increase in the number of vacant properties. In an effort to revitalize these areas, communities are looking at adding parks, green infrastructure (such as rain gardens), and urban agriculture.

The poor condition of the soils on these properties can sometimes be an impediment to green infrastructure or urban agriculture.

EPA has developed a soil survey assessment protocol to identify the urban imprint on major US soils. Work has been completed in Cleveland and Cincinnati, OH; Omaha, NE; Detroit, MI; and Phoenix, AZ. 

This research can help states and municipalities understand the potential for soils to support green infrastructure applications. It provides an overview of urban soils and offers recommendations for how soils can be rehabilitated to support green infrastructure or urban agriculture.

• Evaluation of Urban Soils: Suitability for Green Infrastructure or Urban Agriculture (PDF)(26 pp, 3.3 MB, About PDF
• Science Matters: Straightening the Road to Reuse - Connections between Demolition and Green Infrastructure
• Soils Investigation for Infiltration-based Green Infrastructure for Sewershed Management (Omaha, NE) (PDF) (115 pp, 5 MB, About PDF)

See EPA research hydrologist, Dr. Bill Shuster in action:

Read about why Dr. Shuster’s science matters.