How much soil must be removed to decontaminate soil saturated with a pesticide (minimum depth)?

How much soil must be removed to decontaminate soil saturated with a pesticide (minimum depth)?

• A. 1 inch
• B. 2-3 inches
• C. 4-6 inches
• D. 8-12 inches

Answer: (B)

Contamination from many pesticides is concentrated in the uppermost layer of soil. To reduce exposure, you remove the soil until you’ve reached a depth where residues are unlikely to remain. The shallowest depth that reliably removes most surface contamination is typically 2 to 3 inches. Removing only an inch often leaves contaminated soil behind, while removing much deeper layers (4–6 or 8–12 inches) is usually unnecessary for common surface spills and wastes precious soil and disposal space. Always follow label directions and local regulations, and consider soil testing if there’s any doubt about residue depth.

Contamination from many pesticides is concentrated in the uppermost layer of soil. To reduce exposure, you remove the soil until you’ve reached a depth where residues are unlikely to remain. The shallowest depth that reliably removes most surface contamination is typically 2 to 3 inches. Removing only an inch often leaves contaminated soil behind, while removing much deeper layers (4–6 or 8–12 inches) is usually unnecessary for common surface spills and wastes precious soil and disposal space. Always follow label directions and local regulations, and consider soil testing if there’s any doubt about residue depth.