No precise count exists on the number of community gardens in operation in the swath of territory around the greater Bay Area communities. Indeed, there is no reliable estimate of the number of active communities throughout California. It is estimated that there are over 29,000 community gardens in the 100 largest cities in the United States – but this tally doesn’t consider many other cities and towns that are home to community gardens.
This article discusses a dangerous situation at a community garden north of San Francisco. Specifically, a participant in this community garden rented two beds. Unfortunately, this garden participant used canine and human feces as compost in the rented beds. This is not an acceptable practice in U.S. community gardens. In fact, this creates a health hazard, not only for the tenant who took this course but to others who participate in the community garden as well as others who may visit the location.
Before diving deeper into the misuse of the community garden beds or plots, we take a moment to remind a reader of the real benefits of community gardens.
Key Benefits of a Community Garden
Community building: Community gardens can help create a sense of community and bring people together who might not otherwise interact. People can develop stronger relationships and a sense of belonging within their community by gardening together and working towards a common goal.
Improved access to fresh produce: Community gardens can provide fresh, healthy produce to people who might not otherwise have access to it. This is particularly important in areas where there are limited grocery stores or where fresh produce is expensive.
Education: Community gardens can be a valuable educational resource, teaching people about gardening, nutrition, and other related topics. This can be especially important for children, who can learn about the importance of healthy eating and where their food originates.
Stress relief: Gardening can be a relaxing and therapeutic activity, helping to reduce stress and promote mental health. Spending time in nature and cultivating plants can be a great way to unwind and de-stress after a long day.
Environmental benefits: Community gardens can help improve air and soil quality, and provide habitat for pollinators. By planting native plants and using sustainable gardening practices, community gardens can help support local biodiversity and reduce the amount of pollution in the air and soil.
Physical activity: Gardening is a physical activity that can help people stay active and healthy. It can be a great way to get some exercise and fresh air while also working towards a common goal.
Food security: Community gardens can help increase food security by providing a local source of fresh produce. This can be especially important in areas where there are limited food options or where people may not be able to afford healthy food.
Remediating the Biohazardous Situation in the Community Garden
The people overseeing the community garden with beds contaminated by canine and human feces reached out to Eco Bear to assist in remediating the health hazard. The Eco Bear team was tasked with eliminating all of the contaminated soil from the two boxes. One of the subject beds is approximately 125 square feet, the other box is about 55 square feet.
In evaluating the situation, Eco Bear determined that we would remove all of the contaminated soil from both boxes and properly dispose of it. Our company was not retained to replace the contaminated soil with fresh dirt and proper compost.
Ultimately, Eco Bear spent nine “man hours” or “person hours” to remove the contaminated soil. We charged the community garden a flat fee of $1,000 to safely and thoroughly remove the soil and feces-based “compost” from the pair of beds. This was an all-inclusive charge to this California community garden.
Dangers of Human Feces and or Canine Feces Used as Compost
In conclusion, we feel it’s important to underscore the inherent risks of using human feces or canine feces as compost in a location like a community garden.
The hazards of human feces used as compost include:
- Pathogens: Human feces can contain harmful pathogens that can cause illness if they come into contact with food crops.
- Chemicals: Human waste can contain chemicals from medications that have been excreted from the body. These chemicals can also be absorbed by food crops and pose a risk to human health.
- Odor: Using human feces as compost can produce a strong odor that can be unpleasant for neighbors and visitors.
The dangers associated with canine feces used as compost include:
- Contamination: Dog feces can contain harmful bacteria, parasites, and viruses that can contaminate soil, plants, and water sources. This can pose a risk to human health, especially if the vegetables or fruits are consumed without proper washing.
- Nutrient Imbalance: Dog feces tend to be high in nitrogen, which can create an imbalance in the soil’s nutrient content. This can negatively affect plant growth and health, as well as attract unwanted pests.
- Odor: Using canine feces as compost can create an unpleasant odor that can be offensive to neighbors and discourage people from spending time in the garden.