Soil Contamination Causes and Solutions

Mining:  Commonly leads to a high concentration of toxic chemicals like arsenic, sulfuric acid, and mercury.

Accidental spills:  Most commonly, oil and petroleum spills can have severe effects on vegetation and wildlife in the area.

Corrosion of underground storage tanks and piping:  Old storage tanks and worn-down piping can break and leak toxic waste into the soil.

Acid Rain:  Commonly contains air pollutants like sulfur and nitrogen oxides that dissolve into the soil, leading to increased health and environmental impacts.

Agricultural chemicals such as pesticides:  Previous and current farmland is always at high risk of being contaminated by the fertilizers and pesticides used by the agricultural industry.

Petrochemicals including oil and gasoline:  Contamination commonly occurs near gas stations, drilling locations, and land near train stations that transport oil tank cars.

Drainage of contaminated surface water into the soil:  Properties near bodies of water or rivers are at higher risk for contaminants seeping into the soil via the surface water.

Ammunition, chemical agents of war:  Common contaminants for firing ranges and previous military operation bases. Ammunition contains lead, which leads to lead poisoning and water contamination.

Improper waste disposal:  Includes gasoline, oil, nuclear waste, sewage, landfills, coal & electronic waste. Properties near water treatment facilities and power plants are at high risk for contamination and should be evaluated by an environmental consulting firm. PFAS chemical contamination is a rising concern in Wisconsin due to improper waste disposal at landfills.