Ground-level vegetation and soil are fundamental components of any healthy ecosystem. The roots of plants and soil organisms like worms and bacteria break down organic material and release nutrients back into the soil. They also create a critical habitat for many species that can’t be found anywhere else on earth. Ground-level restoration can help rebuild a degraded ecosystem for a variety of reasons. For one, vegetation on the ground is generally more resilient than vegetation that is elevated by a roof. Secondly, ground-level restoration often requires less time, money and human resources to complete, as well as fewer regulatory hurdles than other restoration projects.There are also risks associated with ground restoration that need to be considered before proceeding with a project. Some of these risks include issues related to water contamination, soil health and sustainability, and impacts on nearby buildings and utilities. Working with a restoration contractor can help you navigate through these potential issues to ensure your project is successful and meets your goals.
Water Contamination Risk
One of the biggest risks associated with ground-level restoration projects is the possibility of water contamination resulting from the excavation process. This can happen if the soil is full of contaminants like metals or petroleum chemicals. There are several ways you can limit the risk of water contamination during a restoration project.
The first is to carefully select the site for a restoration project. Make sure the soil is free of contaminants and has a high enough organic content to support plant growth after the project is completed. Another important factor is the source of the contamination. If the soil at the site is full of petroleum chemicals, there’s a good chance they’ll be present in the soil and vegetation in a form that’s readily accessible to animals like rodents and birds. If that’s the case, you may want to choose another location for your restoration project.
A common misconception is that you have to dig a deep hole and remove the entire top layer of soil. In fact, many restoration contractors will use a soil “coring” process to extract a few inches of topsoil without exposing the more important, subterranean soil layers. This can significantly reduce the risk of water contamination. Another way to decrease the risk of contamination is to use clean, sterile soil as a base for the restoration project. The best way to do this is to bring in your own soil, which can be screened and cleaned in advance.
When moving soil to a restoration area, it’s also important to keep in mind that heavy equipment can stir up the soil and increase the risk of contamination. For example, a bulldozer blade can rip through the soil and expose contaminants like petroleum chemicals or metals to the air. If you have to move soil with a backhoe or another heavy equipment, it’s important to use a blade that won’t damage the soil.
Sustainability Risk
Another risk associated with ground-level restoration projects is that they might have negative impacts on the sustainability of the surrounding ecosystem. To prevent this from happening, you can choose restoration methods that are low in inputs and have a lower environmental impact.There are a number of factors that can have a negative impact on sustainability. It’s important to choose a restoration method that doesn’t require a large amount of fertilizer and doesn’t require pesticides. If you need to use herbicides, you should use them only in a controlled way to limit the risk of contamination. It’s also important to choose restoration methods that have a low impact on wildlife and don’t require the destruction of sensitive ecosystems.
If you’re working to repair an area that’s been heavily impacted by pollution, you may want to consider choosing a restoration method that’s more natural. For example, planting native species in polluted areas can help clean up the soil and slow the rate at which the contaminants are released into the environment.A common mistake that restoration contractors can make is planting species that aren’t native to the area. This can actually make the restoration project less effective by slowing down the natural recovery process.
Building and Utility Risk
Another risk associated with ground-level restoration projects is that they might negatively impact nearby buildings and utilities. If the restoration project is too close to a building or is located in a way that’s too sensitive to the surrounding environment, it may cause damage to the buildings above it.To reduce this risk, it’s important to choose a restoration site that’s far enough away from buildings and sensitive ecosystems. It’s also important to avoid placing structures on top of the restoration project. This can make the area more difficult to maintain and increase the risk of contamination.
Another way to avoid negative impacts on buildings and utilities is to use construction methods that have a low impact on the environment. For example, using a technique called “controlled grading,” which involves removing only the top layer of soil, can reduce the amount of soil that needs to be replaced. This can help avoid the need for heavy machinery and reduce the risk of damage to nearby buildings and utilities.
Ground-level restoration is an important part of any efforts to rehabilitate an area and improve its sustainability. However, it’s important to take the time to understand the potential risks associated with these types of projects and find a restoration contractor that can help you navigate through them.
This article explains some of the risks associated with ground-level restoration projects. If you’re considering a restoration project, it’s important to understand these risks so you can make sure they don’t negatively impact your goals or end up costing you more in the long run.