Envisioning Healthy Soil Futures: Planning and Policy Inertia in Addressing Soil Contamination in a Postindustrial City

Soil health is critical for healthy cities, yet little is known about how communities experience and address soil contamination. Contamination of soils can expose residents to heavy metals, which may have detrimental health effects. This study focuses on Buffalo, NY, using a mixed-methods approach to understand community experiences surrounding soil contaminants, planning, and policy. Findings reveal that spatial patterns of lead contaminants mirror segregation patterns, echoing environmental justice concerns. Residents engage in individual self-help actions, but some adopt risk-averse behaviors. Key takeaways include how policy tools are used to address issues of soil contamination and recommendations for addressing this issue.