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Gas Works Focus Groups

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You may remember that about a month ago, Ellen Weir put out a call to community members to provide input for her research project on community reactions to phytoremediation, one the toxic waste cleanup methods in use at Gas Works. Ellen asked us to pass along that the focus groups she’s scheduled are coming up tomorrow and Tuesday:

For anyone who would like to participate in the Gas Works Park Phytoremediation meetings, here is the information:

Monday, March 17 @ 6pm – The Den at Mosaic Coffee House
Tuesday, March 18 @ 6pm – Good Shepherd Center, Room 223

The focus group meetings will last approximately 1 1/2 hours. Hope to see you there!

Note that this is not directly related to the Gas Works play area renovation meetings that are going on, as well.

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Jordan

I started Wallyhood back in 2008, right when my son was born, because I realized I had lived in the neighborhood since 1993 and didn't really know my neighbors. I figured writing a blog about what was going on around me would be a good way to meet people and help other people do the same. As the years progressed, those neighbors have picked up the torch and it is now a group effort, which I adore. I moved out of Wallingford for a few years (2020 - 2025), but I'm back, now living with my wife, son and dog (Dillinger) up in Tangletown.

This Post Has 3 Comments

  1. ToastToast March 16, 2014

    Here are some Advantages and Limitations from Wikipedia:

    Advantages:
    •the cost of the phytoremediation is lower than that of traditional processes both in situ and ex situ
    •the plants can be easily monitored
    •the possibility of the recovery and re-use of valuable metals (by companies specializing in “phyto mining”)
    •it is potentially the least harmful method because it uses naturally occurring organisms and preserves the environment in a more natural state.

    Limitations:
    •phytoremediation is limited to the surface area and depth occupied by the roots.
    •slow growth and low biomass require a long-term commitment
    with plant-based systems of remediation, it is not possible to completely prevent the leaching of contaminants into the groundwater (without the complete removal of the contaminated ground, which in itself does not resolve the problem of contamination)
    •the survival of the plants is affected by the toxicity of the contaminated land and the general condition of the soil.
    •bio-accumulation of contaminants, especially metals, into the plants which then pass into the food chain, from primary level consumers upwards or requires the safe disposal of the affected plant material.

  2. Donn March 17, 2014

    The way I understand it, this is not the UW generously offering to solve the problem at Gasworks, it’s a research project. They do

  3. Ellen Weir March 18, 2014

    Thanks for the comment Donn. You are correct, the science illustrating the effectiveness of phytoremediation is quite strong. What I need now is to hear from the community as to whether or not implementation is desirable. So send people my way!

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